Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and to do so while maintaining ecological processes, functions, biodiversity, and productivity into the future. An understanding of sustainability includes learning about the scientific basis for sustainable resource use as well as the social and economic implications and/or costs of sustainable practices.

The objective of the undergraduate curriculum in sustainability science is to provide students with a solid foundation in the natural sciences, exposure to an interdisciplinary perspective from the social sciences and the humanities, and instruction in research skills necessary to compete in the ever-growing field of sustainability. Students are encouraged to participate in the Field Quarter as part of their curriculum.