PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Future Studies at City College is a one-of-a-kind transdisciplinary program that uses practical and theoretical applications to look at how our world is changing. You'll discover how things like climate change and artificial intelligence can change our future, and what role emerging technologies will play in it.
Future Studies looks at the role humans have in resource depletion and species extinctions, as well as how our actions create ecological challenges for the future. Once familiar with these trends and roles, you will explore ways you can help create a more just and sustainable society.
And, you'll be able to put that knowledge into practice through your own community project.
You'll identify and analyze world trends through the lens of anthropology, politics, technology, sociology and the environment, and examine how those trends could impact possible, probable and preferable future scenarios.
This is an evolving field, and career possibilities are plentiful. They include green and sustainability careers such as an environmental scientist or engineer, green constructor or architect, sustainability engineer, as well as urban and regional planners, conservationist, agriculturalist, food scientist, training and development manager, economists, historians, mechatronics engineer, and many more.
Discover how you can affect change for the sustainability of our world!
PROGRAM EMPHASIS
A focus is placed upon the interdisciplinary nature of the application of Futures Studies to anthropology, political science, sociology, technology and computer science, economics and environmental science. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the future in a responsible manner taking into consideration just and equitable solutions to challenges facing the world.
PROGRAM GOALS
Students will learn to
- envision possible, probable and preferable futures
- apply methods of visioning, strategic planning and simulations to case studies
- assess and evaluate trends forecasted on a national and international level.
- critically analyze positive and negative factors that may influence the future of the world
- identify and explore just, equitable and sustainable solutions to social, environmental, political and economic issues
CAREER OPTIONS
This Certificate prepares students to enter into academic and professional fields related to Futures Studies. Available career tracks include working as a strategic planner, demographer, futurist, sociologist, pollster, researcher, political analyst, educator, anthropologist, industrial psychologist, business leader, consultant or a change agent.