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Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health
Curriculum
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Transdisciplinary Engineering for Social Good
The University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health (MESH) degree program is designed to enable professionals from multiple disciplinary and cultural backgrounds to work together to co-define problems and co-create solutions to our most pressing health and sustainability issues.
Our goal is to unite engineering with the critical thought and larger perspective developed in areas that include but are not limited to: public health, peace and justice, sociology, anthropology, political science, development studies, architecture, design and cultural studies.
Our courses are meant to be accessible to both students and working professionals who possess adequate, relevant professional experience.
PROGRAM COURSE CURRICULUM
The Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health is a 30-unit project-based learning program that is designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters. In the capstone course, students are expected to develop and complete a major project related to the application of engineering for planetary and/or human health.
Semester 1
7 weeks per course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Students will be introduced to MESH and the complex adaptive systems that will be examined over the next few months in relation to engineeri… |
3 |
|
This course will critically examine the complex interplay between engineering, development, and other interventions that impact the environm… |
3 |
Semester 2
7 weeks per course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course examines the complex and interconnected world of health, politics, economics, ecology, engineering, sustainability, and justice … |
3 |
|
This survey course introduces students to energy systems, technologies, governance, and policies through the lens of sustainability. Student… |
3 |
Semester 3
7 weeks per course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course explores water and its interconnections with environmental sustainability, social equity, health, and economic development. With… |
3 |
|
This course will examine the interconnection of industrial and infrastructure development and with environmental issues related to community… |
3 |
Semester 4
7 weeks per course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
The “Just Transition” framework, emerging from the intersection of climate justice and labor movements, supports both the environment an… |
3 |
|
This course will explore all elements of the global waste problem from recycling and reusing, to reducing consumption and production, and th… |
3 |
Semester 5
7 weeks per course
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Participants will embark on a practicum or research project in which they critically review current knowledge and practice in one area of in… |
6 |
Program Development
The Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health program has been developed in collaboration with a world-class faculty team. Our faculty possess educational backgrounds and working experiences that span technology, engineering and health fields with a focus on furthering the global causes of social and eco-justice, health politics and education.
Additionally, the MESH program leverages ongoing input and insight from an advisory board of educators, consultants, directors and founders who work with NPOs, charities and international organizations committed to the promotion of peace, justice, indigenous rights and sustainability
Each instructor is committed to working closely with students who are equally as passionate about developing new, disruptive technologies that will meet the pressing global challenges of inequity, poverty, natural disasters and climate change.
TEACHING AND LEARNING Methods
Immersive Interactive Assignments
A Comprehensive Capstone
Real-world Applications
Teamwork Final Projects
Interactive Discussions
Minimal use of Recorded Lectures
Learner outcomes
The key goal of the Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health program is to help graduates develop innovative solutions and leadership in solving problems related to global health.
Students will engage in critical approaches to engineering, sustainability and health as a means of achieving five specific outcomes:
- Solve complex challenges relating to engineering, health, development, peace, ecological and justice individually and as part of a group.
- Trace the history of development and globalization and their impacts on both the built environment and the health of ecosystems and humans.
- Demonstrate mastery over fundamental concepts of health using different frameworks and apply these concepts to engineering solutions.
- Explore transdisciplinary capabilities related to new and emerging sustainable technologies in key areas of waste, water, energy and food.
- Design “Just Transitions” to sustainable, healthy and proven alternatives in a manner that is cost effective and achievable for local communities.
Having mastered these learning program goals, MESH graduates will be well positioned for leadership and managerial roles across all types of corporate, non-profit (NPO) and non-governmental organization (NGO) professions – whether as a part of existing organizations or through their own entrepreneurial initiatives.