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

Leadership Education and Sustainable Development: Guidelines for Updating the Curriculum

  • Bishop's University (QC)

The sustainable business movement is likely the most important environmental movement in the world today. Therefore, universities must create an education system that does not destroy the biosphere. More specifically ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Educating future corporate managers for a sustainable world: recommendations for a paradigm shift in business education

  • California State University, Los Angeles (CA)

This paper aims to argue for a need for a paradigm shift in business education that would move the focus of curriculum away from profit maximization at all costs to ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Analysing the effects of teaching approach on engagement, satisfaction and future time perspective among students in a course on CSR

  • University of Guelph (ON)
  • Sheridan College (Ontario) (ON)

Heightened media attention to corporate corruption and scandal has led to an increased interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR). There exists, however, little empirical research on incorporating CSR into university ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Teaching students the complexity of green chemistry and assessing growth in attitudes and understanding

  • University of California, Berkeley (CA)

Green chemistry emerged over the past several decades as an important component of chemical education. Many different types of educational materials have been created to teach students the 12 Principles ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Integrating sustainability learning outcomes into a university curriculum: A case study of institutional dynamics

  • University of Vermont (VT)

Higher education institutions increasingly have gained momentum in integrating sustainability into university curricula. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the approval, implementation and management process of the new ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Toward designing sustainability education programs: a survey of master’s programs through semi-structured interviews

  • University of Tokyo
  • Osaka University

With the emergence of sustainability science as an academic field, sustainability education (SE) has increasingly been discussed in terms of nurturing students’ competencies to bring about environmental innovation and global ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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An emerging signature pedagogy for sustainable food systems education

  • Montana State University (MT)
  • University of California, Davis (CA)
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
  • University of British Columbia (BC)

Concerns are growing over the ability of the modern food system to simultaneously achieve food security and environmental sustainability in the face of global change. Yet, the dominant tendency within ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility Awareness Into a Retail Management Course

  • Babson College (MA)

Both students and industry are demanding that marketing instructors incorporate discussions of environmental and social responsibility into their courses. Marketing educators play a critical role in developing the knowledge and ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Higher education for sustainable development in Flanders: balancing between normative and transformative approaches

  • Open University of the Netherlands
  • University of Antwerp

This paper provides critical reflections on higher education for sustainable development (HESD) from a philosophical perspective. A theoretical framework is developed, based on John Dewey’s thoughts on the aim ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Why do people accept environmental policies? The prospects of higher education and changes in norms, beliefs and policy preferences

  • University of Gothenburg

Pressing problems of environmental degradation are typically argued to require coordination, primarily through state intervention. Social scientists are struggling to understand how attitudes toward such state interventions are formed, and ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Toward a Validated Competence Framework for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

  • Wageningen University

Knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage sustainable development have become significant components of different career paths. Previous research has explored which competencies are needed for future change agents in the ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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The influence of instruction, prior knowledge, and values on climate change risk perception among undergraduates

  • Auburn University (AL)
  • Michigan State University (MI)
  • North Carolina State University (NC)
  • University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
  • University of British Columbia (BC)

We evaluated influences on the climate change risk perceptions of undergraduate students in an introductory Earth Science course. For this sample, domain‐specific content knowledge about climate change was a ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Teaching Sustainable Development Goals in The Netherlands: a critical approach

  • Leiden University

One of the main outcomes of the Rio + 20 Conference was the agreement to set Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The most common terms in the17 goals are economic growth, resilience ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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The role of transformation in learning and education for sustainability

  • North-West University (North West)
  • Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya
  • University of Campinas
  • Universidade Federal Fluminense
  • Damascus University
  • University of Latvia
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
  • University of Belgrade

Education research has acknowledged the value of transformation, which offers an opportunity for researching and rethinking how appropriate and successful educational practices may be. However, despite the role of transformation ...

  • Posted Dec. 11, 2018
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Deep learning for a sustainability mindset

  • University of Oulu
  • United Nations Global Compact (NY)

While ‘sustainability’ in management education is mostly addressed from a technical perspective, the emotional and ‘being’ aspects can be key for creating a new mindset. In this paper the authors ...


Scholarship and the SDGs: Connecting Yale teaching and research to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Yale University (CT)

In 2015, the Yale Office of Sustainability began looking at how teaching and research at Yale aligns with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by 193 countries ...


Educating science teachers for sustainability: questions, contradictions and possibilities for rethinking learning and pedagogy

  • Université du Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
  • Université de Montréal (QC)

In this review, we explore what educating science teachers for sustainability implies according to the 23 book chapters and many sampled teacher education and science methods courses in the edited ...

  • Posted Nov. 29, 2018
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Design, implementation, and evaluation of an inverted (flipped) classroom model economics for sustainable education course

  • Vienna University of Economics and Business

How effective is the Inverted Classroom Model (ICM), a teaching tool most often used with undergraduates, when applied to postgraduate learners in economics and sustainability? ICM, also known as the ...

  • Posted Nov. 29, 2018
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Critical Thinking Development—A Necessary Step in Higher Education Transformation towards Sustainability

  • University of Presov

Education for sustainable development has been addressed by professionals, authorities, and a number of research studies in the last decades, and yet the results are not clearly visible. Teachers as ...

  • Posted Nov. 29, 2018
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Developing and Sustaining Sustainability-Related Academic Programming: Observations of Emerging Practices

  • University of West Florida (FL)

This paper offers an overview and summary of selected sustainability-related academic programs and certificates delivered by universities and colleges that are located within the same geographic area (Grand Rapids, Michigan ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Teaching and Research on Sustainable Architecture at the University of Applied Sciences Vienna–FH Campus Wien

  • University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien

The University of Applied Sciences in Vienna has offered university degree programs in the field of construction for more than twenty years and has thus gained great expertise in developing ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Sustainability in the professional accounting and finance curriculum: an exploration

  • University of Chester

Whereas the integration of sustainability into business schools has received increasing attention in recent years, the debate continues to be generic rather than recognising the peculiarities of the more quantitative ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Environmental Education at Faculty of Agriculture and Changing Awareness, Attitude and Behavior towards Environment in Turkey

  • Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University
  • Hitit Üniversitesi

Environmental problems have become increasingly more destructive. For this reason, environmental education and awareness have gained importance. This study had two objectives: to determine the factors affecting the attitude and ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Panoramic difference of academicians in promoting sustainable change

  • Jaipuria Institute of Management
  • University of Petroleum and Energy Studies

The social, economic, cultural, ecological and political transformations are essential factors of sustainable development and studies have shown that higher education is one of the important sources to bring required ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Communicating a social agenda within HEIs: the role of the social enterprise mark

  • University of Salford
  • University of Huddersfield

By using the lens of the social enterprise mark (SEM) accreditation which enables social enterprises to “prove” that the interests of people and planet are put before shareholder gain, this ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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A practical learning environment for sustainability and sustainable tourism: The case of student engagement at the sustainability house (SH)

  • University of North Texas (TX)
  • Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza
  • Kyung Hee University

This paper aims to review the current joint master’s program between two international institutions in the USA and Costa Rica; to identify students’ perceptions and experiences with the sustainability ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Understanding Finnish student craft teachers’ conceptions of sustainability

  • University of Eastern Finland

This study aims to explore student craft teachers’ conceptions of sustainable craft. This is an important issue because the Finnish National Curriculum of Basic Education emphasises sustainability, especially in craft ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Student teachers’ perceptions about the social pillar of urban sustainability: Attached importance and believed effectiveness of education

  • University of Western Macedonia

This study aims to detect preschool and primary school student–teachers’ (STs) views about the social pillar of urban sustainability and particularly about the importance they attach to various social ...

  • Posted Nov. 26, 2018
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Social and Environmental Justice Minor

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

Given the many ways both humans and our planet's environment suffer grievous harm, it is fitting to provide an examination of some of the major kinds of harm as ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Sustainable and Renewable Energy Systems Minor

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Systems Minor is designed to be a hands-on interdisciplinary program with an emphasis on the study of the economic, social, and environmental aspects of various ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Geography (BA)

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

Geographers explore the physical earth, our interactions with it, and how through the interactions among and between people and the environment, in the context of space, we shape our world ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Biology (BS)

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

There’s more to a degree in the field of biology than a career in medicine. At UW-Platteville, students can affordably experience all the intricate aspects of biology and gear ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Environmental Horticulture (BA/BS)

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

Environmental horticulture is the art and science of cultivating plants for human health and beautification of our environment. Our environmental horticulture curriculum concentrates on the practical application of theoretical concepts ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Reclamation, Environment and Conservation (BS)

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

Reclamation, Environment and Conservation(REC) is an interdisciplinary program of applied scientific practices for restoring, reclaiming, and managing degraded habitats, landscapes, and ecosystems. Historically, REC emphasized mining-related impacts to land ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Sustainable and Renewable Energy Systems (BS)

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (WI)

The study of sustainability and renewable energy systems (SRES) addresses the concerns of world resources, including energy and renewable energy, and their social, economic, and environmental impacts.

The sustainability and ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Geological Sciences (MS)

  • Binghamton University (NY)

Geological Sciences comprises thirteen faculty with research interests in Environmental Geosciences; Sedimentology and Surficial Processes; Geochemistry and Petrology; Structural Geology and Basin Analysis. There are a number of different perspectives ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Watershed Studies and Management Certificate

  • Binghamton University (NY)

The Graduate Certificate in Watershed Studies and Management offers graduate students working in a relevant disciplinary area an opportunity to receive special recognition for interdisciplinary work related to watersheds. At ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Sustainability Engineering Minor

  • Binghamton University (NY)

This is a 21-credit hour (not including prerequisites) minor degree for Engineering majors. Core courses include Introduction to Sustainable Engineering and Design, Engineering Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Development: Ecosystems for Engineers ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Urban Revitalization Certificate

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The Certificate in Urban Revitalization provides specialized training in the techniques and processes of city and neighborhood revitalization. Topics include adaptive reuse of buildings, historic preservation, real estate market analysis ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Environmental Studies (MS)

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The goal of the M.S. in Environmental Studies is to provide an interdisciplinary master’s degree program in environmental studies that emphasizes the critical links between environmental life sciences ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Environmental Studies (MEnvs)

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The goal of the Master of Environmental Studies (M.Envs.) degree program is to provide an interdisciplinary master’s degree program in environmental studies that emphasizes the critical links between ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Urban & Regional Studies Minor

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The minor in Urban & Regional Studies may be combined with another major, providing students the opportunity for a diverse learning experience. The Minor may help prepare students for careers ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Sustainable Innovation Certificate

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The Certificate in Sustainable Innovation is designed to provide students in any VCU baccalaureate program the option of adding a formal certificate program in sustainability and sustainable approaches to problem-solving ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Environmental Studies Minor

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The minor in environmental studies provides an overview of the field that offers an intrinsically interesting way for many students to organize elective course work while gaining knowledge important to ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Urban & Regional Studies (BS)

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies provides a solid foundation for professional work or advanced study aimed at addressing some of the most important challenges and issues ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Environmental Studies (BS)

  • Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies prepares students for careers in the environmental field, including government service, nonprofit management and employment in private industry. VCU's curriculum also provides ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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International Studies Globilization & Sustainability Concentration (BA)

  • Dickinson College (PA)

International Studies is an interdisciplinary major that seeks to help students attain a well-rounded understanding of global developments and trends and to prepare them to succeed in the globalized world ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Food Studies Certificate (FDST)

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Food studies is the critical examination of food—the evolution of its procurement, production, consumption and cultural meanings within the contexts of the natural and social sciences and humanities. It ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate (SINE)

  • Dickinson College (PA)

Dickinson’s certificate in social innovation and entrepreneurship (SINE) is about change and creating pathways for student-led change in our world. The SINE certificate was developed to focus this effort ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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Earth Sciences (BS)

  • Dickinson College (PA)

The earth sciences span and integrate the five major Earth systems: the atmosphere, the oceans, the soils, the organisms and the solid earth both past and present. The earth sciences ...

  • Posted Nov. 20, 2018
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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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