/ Leadership for Sustainable Development
Solving real-world problems. Preparing for a lifetime of community leadership.
Leadership for Sustainable Development is a next-generation, interdisciplinary degree program that combines immersive hands-on learning, career development, a liberal arts foundation, and Mercy values to transform learners into skilled 21st Century leaders.
Pick Your Track
The program goes far beyond traditional academic barriers to dig into real-world challenges – preparing our students to sustain and improve critical systems in areas of Peace & Justice, Nature & Environment, Business & Economics, and Healthcare & Wellness. Flexibility is built into the program’s DNA, making it easy to transfer in or double major.
Our Immersive Approach
Discover your Leadership Skills
Work with Leaders
Tackle Real-World Challenges
Student Stories
Nhu Vo ’17
Environmental Science, Marine Studies
“To me, sustaining my community means to support, stand with, and advocate for those around us who might not be able to advocate for themselves. The word ‘sustain’ is defined as ‘to support, nourish, and strengthen’ and so in sustaining our community, we are doing the same. We are looking out for each other, we are supporting each other, and we are taking care of each other.”
Andrew Martin ’24
Leadership for Sustainable Development, History
“The idea to begin a community garden grew from a song lyric and an interest in community organizing, into a full-blown passion project in only a couple of weeks. I’ve learned that if you set goals, your impact can be huge. If enough people across the country set their sights on the issues endemic to their communities in that way, we might find ourselves living in a nicer place.”
Learn Skills to Build Sustainable and Resilient Communities
Leadership
Insight
Network
Partnerships and Programs
Local Government
State Government
Justice Organizations
Environmental Organizations
