Sustainable engineering design at James Madison University

In August 2008, James Madison University will enroll its first engineering students into a unique engineering program focused on sustainable societies. A significant component of this integrated program is the six- semester 10-credit design laboratory sequence that stretches from the sophomore year to graduation. We present a divergence from the generally accepted approach to sustainability (normally referred to as ldquosustainable engineeringrdquo or ldquoenvironmental sustainabilityrdquo) and include instruction in creating sustainable societies. This paper addresses the following topics in the design curriculum in the engineering degree program: 1) Environmental Sustainability; 2) Creative and Critical Thinking, Decision Making, and Assessment; 3) Aesthetics of Design; 4) Economic and Social Sustainability; and 5) Design Ethics. The Design Program is interdisciplinary and will utilize faculty from business, art, and social science disciplines; and employ a variety of innovative instructional methodologies from the social sciences and humanities.