Curriculum

Introduction

One of the primary functions of colleges and universities is to educate students. By training and educating future leaders, scholars, workers, and professionals; higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to understand and address sustainability challenges. Institutions that offer courses covering sustainability issues help equip their students to lead society to a sustainable future.

7980 resources

The mercury game: evaluating a negotiation simulation that teaches students about science-policy interactions

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)

Environmental negotiations and policy decisions take place at the science-policy interface. While this is well known within academic literature, it is often difficult to convey how science and policy interact ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Toxic Release! The role of educational games in teaching and learning about hazardous pollution

  • State University of New York at Plattsburgh (NY)
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)

The compounding elements of toxic releases make teaching and learning about them difficult. For example, toxic releases have multifarious source/sink dynamics, high-stakes risk profiles, complex timelines, and passionate stakeholders ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Preparation of environmental studies and sciences students to participate in the environmental risk dialogue

  • University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)

Environmental exposure to chemicals associated with modern industrial and agricultural practices is a major societal concern. Evaluating and managing risk from these chemicals requires knowledge based on both the natural ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Integrating geoscience into undergraduate education about environment, society, and sustainability using place-based learning: three examples

  • Metropolitan State University (MN)
  • University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
  • Utah State University (UT)
  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)

From water to energy, and from climate change to natural hazards, the geosciences (marine, Earth, and atmospheric science) have an important role to play in addressing a wide range of ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Supporting the Integration of Sustainability into Higher Education Curricula—A Case Study from Switzerland

From the perspective of different stakeholders, education for sustainable development (ESD) in higher education is highly desirable. In practice, however, this may present challenges, as it involves systemic and cultural ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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A Comparative Study on Sustainability in Architectural Education in Asia—With a Focus on Professional Degree Curricula

  • Korea University

Architectural education is a key factor in the re-thinking of the whole industry toward a system of more sustainable buildings and cities. Asia is the continent with the highest population ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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BS in Sustainable Horticulture

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

The Sustainable Horticulture Bachelor of Science degree is designed to provide students science-based education which can be applied in a wide variety of careers in landscape plant production and use ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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AS in Sustainable Horticulture

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

Students are prepared for careers in greenhouse crop production, nursery crop production, and horticulture opportunities at parks, recreational areas, tourist attractions, and historic sites. Sustainable and environmentally sound methods of ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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AS in Sustainable Food and Farming

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)

The 60-credit Associate of Science degree offers a program of study for those who wish to practice agriculture but are not quite ready to make a commitment to the B ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture Design Certificate

  • Oregon State University (OR)

Students develop a sustainable landscape using permaculture methods through this online, instructor-led certificate program offered by Professional and Continuing Education at Oregon State University. All students complete regenerative landscape projects ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Certificate in Environmental Studies

  • Gateway Technical College (WI)

This certificate requires 3 one credit courses: Sustainable Landscape, Soils and Plant Nutrition, and Plant Pests and Beneficials.

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology - Sustainable Energy Systems

  • Gateway Technical College (WI)

Students learn the foundation of “green” electrical systems. They can perform system maintenance and repair of solar photovoltaic systems. Hands-on lab-based learning is incorporated into all course work. Study areas ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Certificate in Sustainable Design

  • Gateway Technical College (WI)

This certificate provides an introduction to sustainable design. Instructors will familiarize students with methods, materials, and finishes used to maintain a sustainable design environment.

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture Design Certificate

  • Gateway Technical College (WI)

This course will teach participants techniques to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and will increase the long-term sustainability of their homes and communities. Students will learn ecological principles needed to ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Advanced Technical Certificate in Urban Farming

  • Gateway Technical College (WI)

The Urban Farming Advanced Technical Certificate enables students to intensively farm small plots of land and bring their crops to market profitably. The certificate combines intensive farming curriculum with entrepreneurship ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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MA in Ecopsychology

  • Naropa University (CO)

Naropa University’s low-residency Master of Arts degree in Ecopsychology integrates psychology and ecological issues in the study of human-nature relationships. It offers theoretical grounding in ecopsychology along with transpersonal ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Certificate in Holistic Landscape Design

  • Bastyr University (WA)

Bastyr's Certificate in Holistic Landscape Design offers training for those who want to build upon their knowledge of medicinal and edible plants and apply that expertise by developing sustainable ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture Design: Practicum

  • Cornell University (NY)

This 4.5-week online course provides an opportunity for students to build their knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Participants will explore the content through videos, readings, and activities and ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture Design: Ecosystem Mimicry

  • Cornell University (NY)

This 6.5-week online course provides an opportunity for students to build their knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Participants will explore the content through videos, readings, and activities and ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture: Fundamentals of Ecological Design

  • Cornell University (NY)

This 6.5-week online course provides an opportunity for students to build their knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Participants will explore the content through videos, readings, and activities and ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture Design Certificate

  • Austin Community College (TX)

This course introduces students to the principles and practice of permaculture design in relation to the diverse Austin area community and landscape. Upon completion of this course including the site ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Noncredit Certificate in Permaculture Design

  • University of Richmond (VA)

The University of Richmond and the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute have partnered to offer the only Permaculture Design Certificate program in the Richmond Region. Through 72-hours of workshops over four weekends ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Professional Certificate in Sustainability for Existing Buildings

  • George Mason University (VA)

The non-credit Professional Certificate in Sustainability for Existing Buildings focuses on the importance of sustainability in the operation of existing buildings. This program is specifically focused on the principles of ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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Permaculture Design Certification Course

  • George Mason University (VA)

This course provides an introduction to the practice of permaculture. Students have the opportunity to practice multiple design exercises, explore how permaculture principles and strategies could be adopted to their ...

  • Posted Aug. 22, 2016
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AAS degree in Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Practices

  • Cascadia College (WA)

The Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degree in Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Practices is a comprehensive technical degree that provides industry-specific knowledge and professional skills that are vital to staking a ...

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices

  • Cascadia College (WA)

Cascadia College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Practices provides a pathway to careers in the green industry. Graduates will learn the skills necessary to plan and implement sustainable ...

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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BS in Environment & Sustainability

  • Catawba College (NC)

Catawba College's B.S. in Environment & Sustainability offers value-added education that goes well beyond classroom teaching and provides many real-world opportunities for students. The College's 189-acre ecological ...

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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Not All Are Created Equal: An Analysis of the Environmental Programs/Departments in U.S. Institutions of Higher Education From 1900 Until March 2014

  • City University of New York, Baruch College (NY)

Environmental academic programs in U.S. institutions of higher education have traditionally lacked definition of their nature and unifying principles. In order to ascertain how these programs are presently constituted ...

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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College and University Environmental Programs as a Policy Problem (Part 2): Strategies for Improvement

  • Yale University (CT)
  • Simon Fraser University (BC)
  • Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
  • University of Alberta (AB)
  • University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
  • University of Saskatchewan (SK)
  • Bucknell University (PA)
  • North Carolina State University (NC)
  • Ursinus College (PA)

Environmental studies and environmental sciences programs in American and Canadian colleges and universities seek to ameliorate environmental problems through empirical enquiry and analytic judgment. In a companion article (Part 1 ...

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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College and University Environmental Programs as a Policy Problem (Part 1): Integrating Knowledge, Education, and Action for a Better World?

  • Yale University (CT)
  • Simon Fraser University (BC)
  • Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
  • University of Alberta (AB)
  • University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
  • University of Saskatchewan (SK)
  • Bucknell University (PA)
  • North Carolina State University (NC)
  • Ursinus College (PA)

The environmental sciences/studies movement, with more than 1000 programs at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, is unified by a common interest - ameliorating environmental problems through ...

  • Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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Sustaining Undergraduate Sustainability Education

  • United States Coast Guard Academy (CT)

The importance of educating future generations of engineers with respect to sustainability is becoming increasingly obvious. At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (CGA), the engineering faculty recognize the need ...

  • Posted Aug. 18, 2016
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Incorporating Geo-Sustainability Concepts in Shrinking Geotechnical Curricula and the New FE Requirements

  • Saint Louis University (MO)
  • University of North Florida (FL)

Introducing sustainability concepts into geotechnical education makes good sense since civil engineering projects are energy intensive and geotechnical engineers are involved early in civil engineering projects. There are two major ...

  • Posted Aug. 18, 2016
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Attitudes of Incoming Civil Engineering Students toward Sustainability as an Engineering Ethic

  • Texas A&M University (TX)

This study presents the results of a survey of new civil engineering students at a large, conservative, land-grant university. Students were asked a set of questions about engineering ethics and ...

  • Posted Aug. 18, 2016
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B.S. in Environmental Studies

  • University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)

The Environmental Studies Program at UNC Asheville prepares students for graduate studies or for employment in government, education, industry, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum addresses environmental issues from an ...

  • Posted Aug. 18, 2016
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Environmental and Cultural Sustainability Certificate

  • University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)

The Environmental and Cultural Sustainability Certificate program is designed for individuals employed in or seeking employment in fields in which sustainability concepts play an integral role such as: land use ...

  • Posted Aug. 18, 2016
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Sustainability Management Certified Professional (SMCP)

  • California State University, Chico (CA)
  • Dominican University of California (CA)
  • Yale University (CT)
  • Sustainability Management Association (CA)
  • Dallas College (TX)

The Sustainability Management Certified Professional (SMCP) is a professional credential for sustainability practitioners. SMCP qualifies an individual's understanding of managing for sustainability and retention of the body of knowledge ...

  • Posted Aug. 17, 2016
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Master of Science in Energy Systems Management

  • University of San Francisco (CA)

The Master of Science in Energy Systems Management is designed for people seeking the skills and knowledge to work in the fast changing world of electrical generation, distribution, conservation, and ...

  • Posted Aug. 12, 2016
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Institute of Applied Agriculture Certificate

  • University of Maryland, College Park (MD)

The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is a 60-credit, two-year academic certificate program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland, College Park. The ...

  • Posted Aug. 12, 2016
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BS in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability

  • Colorado State University (CO)

The major in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability provides a strong scientific foundation in ecosystem ecology integrated with a broad knowledge of the cultural, social, economic, and political issues that are ...

  • Posted Aug. 12, 2016
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Ohio University Online Master of Public Administration – Concentration in Environmental & Energy Policy

  • Ohio University (OH)

Unlike other Master's in Public Administration online programs, Ohio University offers a curriculum built for the real challenges of public administration. You won't find us teaching hypotheticals. Instead ...

  • Posted Aug. 12, 2016
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Sustainability Science: Field Methods and Exercises

Describes the theory and practice of field methods in Sustainability Science, a program at a growing number of universities. This book builds up on the experience and lessons learned by ...


Interdepartmental Undergraduate Minor in Energy

  • Ball State University (IN)

This interdepartmental minor gives students an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the development, use, and conservation of energy. Students may focus on solar and alternative energy systems, energy policy ...

  • Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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Undergraduate Minor in International Resource Management

  • Ball State University (IN)

This undergraduate minor is designed to prepare students for service abroad, primarily in the less developed countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, in such organizations as the Peace Corps ...

  • Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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Undergraduate Minor in Natural Resources

  • Ball State University (IN)

This undergraduate minor is designed to enhance career opportunities in areas of natural resource management such as soils, water, land, recreation and energy management for a variety of science and ...

  • Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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Undergraduate Minor in Environmental Management

  • Ball State University (IN)

This undergraduate minor is designed to enhance career opportunities in environmental management (i.e., air and water quality, waste management) in regulatory agencies, health departments and environmental consulting at the ...

  • Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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Environmental Communication Concentration (BA in Communication)

  • The University of New Mexico (NM)

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program may choose to concentrate in Environmental Communication, which focuses on communication as it relates to human perceptions of, and actions toward ...

  • Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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Learning sustainability leadership: An action research study of a graduate leadership course

  • Portland State University (OR)

This study used action research methodology to examine the development of sustainability leadership in a graduate leadership course. The research investigated the impact of this leadership course, which was designed ...


Beyond Science: Framing Sustainability to Welcome All Disciplines

  • AASHE (PA)
  • Creative Change Educational Solutions (MI)
  • Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)

Colleges and universities trying to integrate sustainability across the curriculum often encounter a common stumbling block: the perception that sustainability is relevant only to environmental science. This false belief can ...

  • Posted Aug. 6, 2016
  • Videos & Webinars
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The place of content and pedagogy in shaping sustainability learning outcomes in higher education

  • University of Haifa

This research investigates the ways in which undergraduate courses dealing with the environment address sustainable development (SD), and contribute to the development of sustainability learning outcomes (SLO). The participants in ...


Exploring Nursing's role within the sustainability movement

  • University of Ottawa (ON)

Aim: This paper aimed to explore the evolution of the concept of sustainability to facilitate further knowledge development in the discipline of nursing.

Background: The concept of ‘sustainability’ emerged in ...

This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.

All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.

AC 1: Academic Courses

AC 2: Learning Outcomes

AC 3: Undergraduate Program

AC 4: Graduate Program

AC 5: Immersive Experience

AC 6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment

AC 7: Incentives for Developing Courses

AC 8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

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