Building sustainability knowledge in the classroom and the community
One of core sustainability goals the goals at MCC is to grow the number of courses that incorporate sustainability concepts — from environmental science and business ethics to social equity and resource management. Whether you are pursuing a full degree, exploring individual courses, or looking for a non-credit option, MCC offers learning opportunities that connect sustainability to real-world challenges.
Programs and Courses
The following MCC programs and courses have sustainability as a core component of their curriculum, preparing graduates for careers in fields where environmental responsibility and resource stewardship are central.
Below are examples that have been offered at MCC within the calendar year:
Programs
- Horticulture — Foundational credential in sustainable plant science, land management, urban agriculture and integrated pest management
- Horticulture – Grounds Management— Prepares graduates in ecologically sound grounds management, native landscaping and water conservation practices
- Horticulture – Small Market Farming— Covers sustainable small-scale farming, urban food production and direct-market sales with an environmental stewardship emphasis
- Horticulture – Floriculture — Sustainable floral production, greenhouse management and environmentally responsible business practices
- Sustainable Culinary and Baking Management— Farm-to-table sourcing, food waste reduction and green kitchen operations built into the core curriculum
- Civil Engineering Technology Transfer — Prepares students for four-year engineering programs with coursework in stormwater management, environmental compliance and sustainable infrastructure
Credit Courses
- HLSM 2300 – Integrated Pest Management — Minimizing pesticide use through biological controls, monitoring thresholds and ecosystem-based pest management
- CULI 1410 – Sustainable Food Practices — Reducing food waste, composting in commercial kitchens, local sourcing and the environmental impact of food production choices
- CNST 2400 – Sustainable Building Methods — Green building techniques, passive solar design and high-performance building envelopes
- BIOS 1300 – Environmental Science — Climate change, natural resource management, pollution and sustainability solutions
- HVAC 1100 – HVAC Fundamentals — Energy-efficient system design, refrigerant regulations and green HVAC technologies
Courses are updated each term. Not all courses listed may be currently available. View the Metropolitan Community College Catalog for available offerings.
Community Education
Our Community Education program offers noncredit courses open to the public on topics related to sustainability, environmental awareness and responsible living.
Below are examples of courses that have been offered at MCC within the calendar year:
Non-credit Courses:
- Natural Dye Batik: Create with Color from Nature — Uses plant-based and natural dye materials as an alternative to synthetic dyes
- Watercolors from Plants — Explores pigment extraction from natural sources, connecting art practice to plant-based materials
- 3D Hydroponics — Introduces soil-free growing systems that reduce water use and enable food production in non-traditional spaces
- Solar Energy — Covers the fundamentals of solar power as a renewable energy source and its role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels
- Wind Energy — Explores wind as a renewable energy source and how turbine technology contributes to cleaner power generation
Community Education courses are updated each term. Not all courses listed may be currently available. View the Community Education Catalog for available offerings.