Advancing society's goals of sustainability in our global economy and the environment
Sustainable systems management (SSM) is a comprehensive systems approach to advancing solutions for processes and products, commercial and industrial businesses, buildings, and energy systems that promote sustainability. Gain the knowledge and skills to integrate the goals of economic growth and development in global markets with protecting public health and the environment.
Tracks
Building science and technology specialization
Explore opportunities that can enhance the performance of houses and building systems
Corporate sustainability systems specialization
Advance the goals of sustainability within a business, industrial, corporate, and non-profit organization context
Energy systems specialization
Focus on the advancement of sustainable energy systems, solutions, and their applications
Sustainable products business management specialization
Apply sales, marketing, and business management to advance the goals of products and technologies and bring them closer to consumers
Major Highlights:
- Over 94% job placement rates
- $46,500 estimated starting salary of our graduates
Download the sustainable systems management major overview PDF brochure !




Why study sustainable systems management?
Decisions in the private and public sectors are being made with greater consideration of their full range of economic, environmental, and social impacts. Greater global demand for energy, land, water, and other raw materials are forcing us to rethink how we use our resources for the greater good.
There are tremendous opportunities to address these needs by:
- Closing material loops
- Recovering resources
- Increasing energy efficiency
- Minimizing and mitigating environmental pollution
- Ensuring best management practices over entire supply chains
- Embracing renewable resources and renewable energy, sustainable technologies, materials, and products
Degree requirements and admission
Sustainable systems management is a bachelor of science program offered by the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science (CFANS).
Contact us
Prospective students are welcome to visit CFANS on campus. Schedule a visit
If you have questions, would like to meet faculty, or tour our labs, please e-mail [email protected] or contact our SSM major coordinators:
Major Coordinator(s)
Omar Espinoza
[email protected]
+1 612 624 0770
Tim Smith
[email protected]
+1 612 624 6755
Academic Advisor(s)
Gina Brewington
Schedule an advising appointment
[email protected]
+1 612 625 6870
Robin Perez
Schedule an advising appointment
[email protected]
+1 612 625 9858