COF Minor in Sustainability

COF Minor in Sustainability

The COF Minor in Sustainability at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is embedded in the international recognition that human activities are threatening the natural systems necessary for human existence. Across the globe, the most vulnerable members of society are often the most affected by changes in the environment.

Registering for the COF Minor in Sustainability at Massachusetts College of Art and Design leads you to become an innovative artist/designer who understands, engages, and solves sustainability issues at the intersection of ecology, health, and social justice. Classes in the Minor include courses in liberal arts, studio electives, and history of art, and a required interdisciplinary course taught through the Colleges of the Fenway; internship credit is also possible. Though your course work in the Minor you will be guided to develop fundamental interdisciplinary and collaborative skills necessary to address complex sustainability issues. The coursework in your major will be informed and enhanced by your study of Sustainability.

What is sustainability?
The core definition of sustainability relates current human actions to the environment and to future generations: meeting the natural resources needs of today so that the needs of the future will be met. We often say that sustainable practice is that which addresses the complex systemic challenges at the intersection of justice, health, and the environment.

Sustainability Minor Program Objectives: 

  • Learn about issues of sustainability across academic and studio disciplines.
  • Understand the implications of sustainability for your practice as an artist or designer.
  • Meet other students exploring sustainability practices.
  • Focus connections between your liberal arts requirements and your studio practice.
  • Interact with sustainability practitioners in a variety of fields inside and outside MassArt.
  • Explore interdisciplinary collaboration and problem solving to develop innovative solutions to current sustainability issues.
  • Draw upon the resources of the Colleges of the Fenway community through coursework with  sustainability practitioners in different disciplines.
  • Experience civic engagement through community service in an organization dedicated to sustainability practice

Total credits required for a MassArt student to complete the CoF Minor in Sustainability: 18 credits.

Colleges of the Fenway:
This Minor was developed in collaboration with faculty from all the Colleges of the Fenway.  Students are encouraged to take courses at our neighboring schools.  Find more information here.

Declare your minor: 
Fill out this form and you will receive information from the registrar and the Minor Director.

Minor Director:
Jane D. Marsching jmarsching@massart.edu