Renewable Materials is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students to work with renewable, plant-based materials to solve challenging world problems. Renewable materials such as wood, bamboo, canes, and agricultural fibers are examined to understand their characteristics and how to make useful products. Students gain broad perspectives on current issues associated with the sustainable utilization of renewable materials, including global trade, business innovation, energy production, and environmental impacts.

Students in the art and design option are concerned about wood products on an aesthetic level. This option prepares students to engage with renewable materials on an aesthetic level, whether as interior designers, fine artists or entrepreneurs. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of how renewable materials can function visually within the human space. In addition, students will achieve an understanding of green building materials and green architecture.

This degree was designed to transfer to Oregon State University's College of Forestry. Other transfer options may be available, consult your advisor for details. 

The forestry field is projected to have many career opportunities coming up in the next decade as many forestry and natural resources professionals retire in the next few years. Students who enjoy working outdoors and want to have a career that focuses on managing our valuable forest lands to conserve and protect resources as well as produce valuable products for society should consider this degree.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AS degree is awarded.

Courses that are developmental in nature (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses) are not applicable to this degree.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate ability to find, compile, analyze, and communicate technical information. 
• Demonstrate basic skills in art and design, sculpture, forest biology, chemistry, and spreadsheet applications. 
• Demonstrate basic understanding of complexity between renewable materials, aesthetics, and environmentalism.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree. 

Program Guide

¹

A total of 7 credits of F or NR courses not already required for the degree may be taken in any term.

²

Difference, Power, and Discrimination - options: HST201, HST202, HST203, SOC206 , SOC213

³

Literature and the Arts: ART204, ART205, ART206, ENG104, ENG105, ENG106, ENG107, ENG108, ENG109, ENG201, ENG204, ENG205, ENG206, ENG262, MUS201, MUS202, MUS203.

⁴

Cultural Diversity: ANTH224, ANTH230, ANTH231, ANTH232, or HST104.

⁵

Social Processes and Institutions: ANTH221 , ANTH222, ANTH223 , ECON201, ECON202, HST101, HST102, HST103, PS201, PS205, PSY201 , PSY202 ,  PSY203 , SOC204, SOC205 will satisfy this requirement.

⁶

Schedule an appointment with the Internship Coordinator a month prior to term. 541-888-7405.

*

All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.