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Sustainability—what is it?

Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainability is understanding the fact that what we do today impacts what happens tomorrow, understanding that the way we manage our land, water, energy, waste, diet, manufacturing, transportation, and education impacts the success of our future generations.

Windward Community College’s Sustainability academic subject certificate integrates environmental stewardship, cultural perspectives, technology, and the social sciences.

Whether you are interested in saving our island reefs, solutions for waste management, preserving our endangered species, or learning Hawaiian methods of engineering and conservation, you can pursue your passion with this certificate.

Students studying the reef and taking notes in ocean
Planting Kalo
three women outdoors with working gloves on standing in a garden
Student in white lab coat muddling plants in a lab
students caring for and revitalizing a rain garden

Program Description

This certificate will provide you with an introduction to understanding of sustainability and address some of the most pressing issues facing our modern society.

  • Academic Subject Certificate in Sustainability
  • Can be earned along with any liberal arts or associate’s degree.
  • Transfer to Sustainability Programs at UHWO, UH Mānoa, and UH Maui

Tuition

Total cost for the Sustainability Certificate is approximately $1,203 (resident and/or Native Hawaiian tuition). For a breakdown of costs, see the Tuition & Fees.

Non-residents may be allowed to pay resident tuition if they qualify for one of the UH Board of Regents tuition exemptions.

Required Courses (9 credits)

Three credits in each of the following categories:

  • Natural Sciences (S-focused course)
  • Social Sciences/Language Arts/Humanities/Math & Business (S-focused course)
  • Hawaiian Studies (S-focused course

Independent Study or Special Topics course (3 credits)

The 3-credit independent study course gives you the opportunity to take charge of your education and dive into a subject that you are truly passionate about. An independent study can be focused on almost anything sustainability related, and can also be a service-learning project. With the help of faculty advisors, you can work toward becoming expert in a topic of your choice

See the class availability page for currently offered s-designated classes or consult the list of S-designated courses for a general listing.

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