USD School of Engineering’s new master’s program

Discussing the program’s holistic approach to social change 

JESSICA MILLS / ASST. FEATURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

On March 28, the University of San Diego Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering launched the Master’s of Science in Engineering for Sustainability and Health (MESH). The program aims to solve social and global issues holistically by connecting areas of engineering, sustainability, and public health. 

The 30-unit program is fully online and is designed to be completed in five semesters. The new program will begin during the Fall 2022 semester, and the application is due Aug. 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for admission into the spring, summer, or fall semesters. 

Professor of Integrated Engineering and Academic Director of MESH Dr. Caroline Baillie encouraged students of all degree backgrounds to apply to the program.

 “We don’t expect those that apply to be engineers,” Dr. Baillie explained. “We invite students of any discipline. If you’re an English major, we also want you.” 

By incorporating diverse backgrounds, Dr. Baillie hopes to bring students together to invent a variety of solutions for environmental issues. 

“We need all of us to solve the world’s problems,” Dr. Baillie said. “Problems of climate change, current and future pandemics, poverty, and health gaps, can only be solved if we work together.”

Using the online Blackboard platform, students take two seven-week long courses each semester, covering topics surrounding environmental justice and sustainable energy. Two courses are offered each semester, and students focus solely on one course at a time for a deeper understanding of each topic. 

While the program is fully online, Dr. Baillie explained that it also includes a project. 

“Of course, some learning will happen behind a computer, but the project portion is hands-on, and students will either find one themselves or be assigned a project from faculty,” Dr. Baillie said. 

Students can expect to examine ideas for emerging technologies, equitable health practices, and economically viable transitions for the future. 

The project allows students to explore their own paths in sustainable solutions for environmental issues, applying the knowledge from their online courses. 

“When you apply everything from this program to a new project, we truly believe we are creating knowledge for the world, not just the students,” Dr. Baillie said. 

Dr. Baillie believes MESH students will have a unique edge in the workforce. 

“We want to give students the skills and confidence to create their own organizations when they graduate, not just join already existing ones,” Dr. Baille said.

Despite the online layout, Dr. Baillie explained that faculty will be engaged individually with each student through online simulation games and frequent discussions. According to Dr. Baillie, the diversity among faculty will help students prepare for post-grad life.

“We have faculty from social ecology, sociology, environmental justice, public health, and engineering working together and teaching students from various disciplines,” Dr. Baillie said. “This creates innovative ideas for new solutions that can be applied to real world problems.” 

Associate Professor of Sociology Julia Cantzler is among the faculty members teaching in the master’s program. She believes that current and future generations can help change global issues and is confident in the program’s ability to lead that path toward change. 

“MESH will cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders by developing their expertise in a way that is interdisciplinary, applied, and solutions-oriented,” Cantzler  said.

Dr. Baillie shared the benefits of the MESH program for those interested in global issues yet unsure of their future goals. 

“This program is so individual for every student,” Dr. Baillie explained. “Many students that are graduating now are wondering what to do with their lives because we’ve experienced so much during the last two years. We’re in the middle of a pandemic, global warming is increasing, and protests have popularized because people are recognizing the inequities in our society. Now is the best time to take part in real change.”  

While Dr. Baillie explained the importance of taking part in sustainable changes, she also addressed students’ need for career and financial stability. 

“MESH is for students that want to make a difference and have a meaningful life,” Dr. Baillie said. “Students that want to help with solutions but also benefit from a successful income.”

As more companies shift to implementing greener practices, having advanced knowledge of sustainability will prove beneficial. In addition, Cantzler hopes MESH will emphasize USD’s role in sustainable development. 

“This program will advance USD’s reputation as a leader in integrative learning with a focus on sustainability and environmental justice,” Cantzler said.

The Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering launched the “Women Imagine the Future Fund” on March 31 to pair with the new master’s program. The scholarship raises money for women, particularly women of the Global South, so they can join MESH. 

Dr. Baillie explained how the global issues that MESH aims to tackle mostly affect several minority groups. Indigenous women, women of color, and women from the Global South are among the many impacted communities.  

“When women are given the right education, support, and confidence, they are able to understand the environmental issues in their own local environment and then use those solutions in other areas around the planet,” Dr. Baillie said.

By including women of the Global South, MESH seeks to generate the necessary changes for sustainable practices.

The Master’s Program of Science in Engineering for Sustainability and Health offers a variety of courses and focuses for students interested in a holistic approach to combating global issues.  

By combining engineering, sustainability, and public health with an added emphasis on diversity, MESH students are provided with varied perspectives and opportunities to address the health of the planet and improve our future.