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.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Building more epistemically inclusive and environmentally equitable universities
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Higher educational institutions tend to draw from mainstream approaches to environmentalism that reinforce race, class, and gender hierarchies around who constitutes “an environmentalist” and what activities constitute “environmentalism.” As a …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Racially inclusive climates within degree programs and increasing student of color enrollment: An examination of environmental/sustainability programs.
- University of Virginia (VA)
- Vincent Evaluation Consulting (OK)
Students of color remain severely underrepresented in many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including environmental fields. Although there is a growing body of research on predictors of selecting …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
A pedagogy for the end of the world: teaching environmental health and justice in a sacrifice zone
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
This article describes pedagogical changes that I have made to my Environmental Justice class at the University of the Pacific in response to increasingly crisis conditions with regard to both …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in environmental studies and sciences by practicing compassionate pedagogies
- Fort Lewis College (CO)
- Franklin & Marshall College (PA)
- McDaniel College (MD)
- University of Nottingham
The imperative to (re)center diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) touches nearly every aspect of higher education today. The multidisciplinary fields of environmental studies and sciences (ESS) are no exception; …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Student-led discussions for sustainability education: an autoethnographic exploration
- Bowling Green State University (OH)
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore an interactive teaching approach using an autoethnographic lens to enhance key competencies in sustainability. These competencies are integrated sets of knowledge, …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Measuring sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education through semantic matching
- UNSW Sydney (NSW)
- UNSW Canberra
Over the past twenty years, higher education institutions (HEIs) including universities, polytechnics, and vocational education providers, have become major conduits for the teaching and dissemination of the sustainable development goals …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
A framework for climate change curriculum redevelopment within built environment professional degrees
- Western Sydney University (NSW)
- University of Melbourne (Victoria)
Cities are important sites for greenhouse gas emission reductions and adaptation to climate change. Yet, the design, development and planning of many cities does not yet reflect this. Research reveals …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Designing transformative interventions for a world in crisis: How the ‘Worldview Journey’ invites for personal, cultural, and systems transformation
- Utrecht University
Our world is arguably in existential crisis, with crises manifesting in nearly every facet of our existence, from education, mental health, and culture, to democracy, environment, and institutions. As our …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Supporting students to become agents of change: Introducing and evaluating the Transition Cycle approach to teaching transformative skills
- University of Amsterdam
Human societies are dealing with urgent and daunting societal transition challenges, such as those posed by climate change, inequality, pandemics, and digitalization. In all these cases, we know that they …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Universities in global transformation: Re-thinking curriculum integration and collaboration to co-create our future
- RMIT University
- Università di Catania
University-based curriculum development often involves adding new content. This ‘just add’ approach has also been applied to integrating the UN SDGs into curricula, reducing them to a checklist rather than …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Teaching under an orange sky: Toward reimagining educational purpose on a damaged planet
- University of Cambridge
I begin with an assumption that there are intersectional relations among education, humans, cyber technologies, and nature, and assert that an expansive understanding of formal educational purpose is needed in …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Environmental justice teaching in an undergraduate context: examining the intersection of community-engaged, inclusive, and anti-racist pedagogy
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
Since the early 1980s, the environmental justice (EJ) movement was critical in drawing much needed attention on how Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and low-income groups have experienced a …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
Provoking Sustainability: The Evolving Role of Management Educators
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
Despite JME’s impactful pedagogical presence, we still fail to motivate change in a world where our planet degrades, available resources are imbalanced or unavailable to marginalized communities, and business schools …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
The GreenComp Evaluation Roadmap: a roadmap for in-depth holistic evaluation of the integration of the GreenComp framework in higher-education curricula
- University of Aruba
Purpose: The GreenComp framework identifies 12 competences for sustainability as common ground for higher-education curricula. The framework can be used for self-assessment and the review of curricula. However, a step-by-step …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
A systematic mixed studies review of civic engagement outcomes in environmental education
- Stanford University (CA)
Civic engagement is recognized as a critical process to address environmental and other societal issues. To examine the intersection between environmental education and civic engagement, as reported in the peer-reviewed …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
- View more
University of Virginia Decarbonization Academy
- University of Virginia (VA)
SCI 2025: Eight-week decarbonization academy program - The Decarbonization Academy at University of Virginia is an immersive learning experience for students who are interested in working towards UVA’s sustainability goals …
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Exploring Aquatic Systems: FGCU Water School in Action
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
Florida Gulf Coast University Water School student researchers conduct fieldwork in aquatic ecology and bathymetry, using scientific instruments to map underwater landscapes and study ecosystem dynamics. This hands-on research supports …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Agnes Scott College - Arboretum
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Agnes Scott College sits on 100 acres within the City of Decatur located just six miles northeast of Atlanta, the ‘City in a Forest’. With a managed tree canopy of …
- Posted July 29, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Dawson College Butterfly Nursery
- Dawson College (QC)
A true community project came to life thanks to the collaboration of students and staff across the college. The Office of Sustainability co-ordinated the design first with Adam Kingsland’s Mechanical …
- Posted July 29, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Science in Action: FGCU Students Dive into Limnology for Sustainable Water Solutions
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
Dr. Thomas leads Florida Gulf Coast University Water School students in a hands-on limnology field class, demonstrating water quality measurement techniques using specialized equipment in a natural campus setting.
- Posted July 29, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
FGCU Water School students engage in hands-on limnology and bathymetry research
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
Students from Florida Gulf Coast University's Water School can be seen getting ready to deploy a quadcopter drone to investigate a nearby pond. This practical exercise is a component of …
- Posted July 28, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
University of New Hampshire photo submission for the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
Student and faculty researchers from across the University of New Hampshire have teamed up for the 'Flax to Linen' project that links historic New England agricultural practices with sustainable fashion …
- Posted July 28, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Mont-Bellevue Park and its University Nature Reserve
- Université de Sherbrooke (QC)
The portion of land belonging to the Université de Sherbrooke within Mont-Bellevue Park (125 hectares) has been officially recognized as a University Nature Reserve as of October 8, 2024. This …
- Posted July 22, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator
- Climate Interactive
En-ROADS is an online simulator that provides policymakers, educators, businesses, the media, and the public with the ability to test and explore cross-sector climate solutions. It allows users to explore …
- Posted June 18, 2025
- Tools
- View more
Campus Sustainability Podcast
- Conestoga College (ON)
- Woxsen University
In this podcast Debdutta Choudhury, Woxsen University speak to Ms. Laura Matheson, Director of Sustainability, Conestoga College and Professor Michael Quartermain, Professor of Conestoga College, Ontario, Canada on campus sustainability …
- Posted June 18, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
University of Tasmania research on climate impacts on biodiversity
- University of Tasmania (TAS)
University of Tasmania is a leader in climate action and research as demonstrated in being ranked #1 in Climate Action of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings from 2022-2024. Researchers …
- Posted June 6, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Renewable Energy coursework at the University of Tasmania's School of Climate Safe Engineering
- University of Tasmania (TAS)
Students undertaking coursework within the School of Climate Safe Engineering focused on renewable energy installations on the roof of the University of Tasmania's Engineering building. The University is pivoting the …
- Posted June 6, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
Transformative Education: Changing How We Teach Energy Efficiency by Leveraging the Creative Arts
- Pratt Institute (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
In a world besieged by environmental and social crises caused by the overconsumption of fossil-fuel based energy usage, the need for swift and effective action on energy efficiency has never …
- Posted May 12, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AL)
The Environmental Science program at Alabama A&M University combines theoretical study with practical training to prepare students for addressing significant issues related to air, soil, and water quality. The curriculum …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Environmental Science Concentration
- Allen University (SC)
The Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science at Allen University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological principles and their application …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Master of Science in Environmental Science (M.S.)
- Allen University (SC)
The Master of Science in Environmental Science at Allen University focuses on critical environmental challenges, sustainability, and scientific research. The program offers hands-on training with advanced equipment, such as the …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Integrated Environmental Science, Master of Science (M.S.)
- Bethune-Cookman University (FL)
The Master of Science in Integrated Environmental Science at Bethune-Cookman University offers advanced interdisciplinary education, combining scientific and social methodologies to address complex environmental issues. The program prepares students for …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Integrated Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Bethune-Cookman University (FL)
The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Environmental Science at Bethune-Cookman University is designed for students interested in careers addressing environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach. The program combines core scientific …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Biology Program with Environmental Focus
- Bowie State University (MD)
The Biology program at Bowie State University delves into the technological, environmental, and global implications of biology. Students are prepared for careers that address environmental challenges through a comprehensive curriculum …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Water Resources Management, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Central State University (OH)
The B.S. in Water Resources Management at CSU requires 120 semester hours and focuses on the interdisciplinary study of water as a vital resource. The program offers opportunities for undergraduate …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Central State University (OH)
The B.S. in Environmental Engineering at CSU requires 129 semester hours and provides students with a solid foundation in mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences, and humanities. The program emphasizes practical …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Sustainable Agriculture, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Central State University (OH)
The B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture at CSU is an interdisciplinary program that integrates coursework from Agribusiness, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Manufacturing Engineering, and Water Resources Management. Students engage in hands-on …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Claflin University (SC)
The B.S. in Environmental Science at Claflin University provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation in biology, ecology, chemistry, and environmental policy. The program prepares students to address environmental challenges, with …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Natural Resources, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Delaware State University (DE)
The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources at DSU provides students with a comprehensive education in environmental science and natural resource management. The program offers concentrations in Environmental Science, Fisheries …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Biology Concentration within the Biology Major
- Fisk University (TN)
The Biology program at Fisk University offers a concentration in Environmental Biology, focusing on the study of ecological principles, environmental issues, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Students …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Studies (B.S.)
- Florida Memorial University (FL)
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at Florida Memorial University prepares students for careers in environmental consulting firms, governmental agencies, environmental compliance industries, laboratory testing, nature education centers, natural …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Science Concentration, B.S. in Biology
- Grambling State University (LA)
The Environmental Science concentration within the Biology program at Grambling State University prepares students for careers in monitoring, protection, and conservation of the environment, as well as for graduate studies …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Science (M.S.)
- Hampton University (VA)
The Master of Science in Biology with a focus on Environmental Science at Hampton University offers advanced study in environmental biology. The program emphasizes research and prepares students for doctoral …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Agricultural Sciences B.S. with a Concentration in Natural Resources and Environmental Science
- Alcorn State University (MS)
This undergraduate program provides students with a comprehensive education in agricultural sciences, focusing on the management and conservation of natural resources and environmental sustainability. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with …
- Posted April 23, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
From STARS Points to Impactful Teaching: The Role of TASK
- AASHE (MA)
- HEC Montréal (QC)
- KEDGE Business School (Bordeaux)
- University of Sussex (Sussex)
- Sulitest
Integrating sustainability into education is both essential and challenging. Institutions must balance transdisciplinarity with the need for specialized expertise, engage faculty and staff who may have varying levels of familiarity …
- Posted April 10, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
Environmental Studies (BA/BS)
- Howard University (DC)
The Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program at Howard University focuses on addressing environmental challenges, particularly those disproportionately affecting communities of color. The curriculum integrates concepts of environmental justice into traditional environmental …
- Posted March 27, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Studies, (B.A.)
- Huston-Tillotson University (TX)
The Environmental Studies program at Huston-Tillotson University is an interdisciplinary degree designed to teach students how human activities influence environmental quality. The curriculum emphasizes developing sustainable lifestyles and resource stewardship …
- Posted March 27, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Agriculture with an Option in Environmental Systems (BS)
- Kentucky State University (KY)
The Option in Environmental Systems is a degree track under the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at KSU. This program prepares students through hands-on learning opportunities with practical applications in …
- Posted March 27, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Science (B.S.)
- Miles College (AL)
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Miles College is an interdisciplinary program that addresses a wide range of environmental concerns. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on research, preparing students for …
- Posted March 27, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
Sustainable Urban Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Morgan State University (MD)
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Urban Environmental Engineering at Morgan State University focuses on the planning, design, and management of sustainable urban environments. The curriculum emphasizes core principles of …
- Posted March 27, 2025
- Academic Programs
- View more
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
- Percentage of courses that are sustainability course offerings
- Percentage of academic departments with sustainability course offerings
- Inventory of sustainability course offerings (upload)
- Website URL - Sustainability course offerings
AC 2: Learning Outcomes
- Description of institution level sustainability learning outcomes
- List of degree programs that require an understanding of the concept of sustainability
- Percentage of students who graduate from programs that require an understanding of sustainability
- Website URL - Sustainability learning outcomes
AC 3: Undergraduate Program
- First sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program
- Second sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program
- Third sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program
- First sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration
- Second sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration
- Third sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration
AC 4: Graduate Program
- First sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- Second sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- Third sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- First sustainability-focused graduate-level minor or concentration
- Second sustainability-focused graduate-level minor or concentration
- Third sustainability-focused graduate-level minor or concentration
AC 5: Immersive Experience
- Description of the sustainability-focused immersive program(s)
- Second sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- Third sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
AC 6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment
- Copy of the sustainability literacy assessment (upload)
- Copy of the sustainability literacy assessment (description)
- Website URL - Assessment of sustainability literacy
AC 7: Incentives for Developing Courses
- Description of the course development incentives
- Website URL - Incentives for developing sustainability courses
AC 8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.