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

Faculty Development for Advancing Community Engagement in Higher Education: Current Trends and Future Directions

  • University of San Francisco (CA)

This research involved the conduct of a conceptual review of 28 refereed journal articles and a survey of campus centers for community engagement staff to identify salient features and trends ...

  • Posted Feb. 28, 2018
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Experiential Learning and Pathways to Carbon Neutrality

  • University of Montana- Missoula (MT)

To date, more than 650 university presidents across the United States have become signatories of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). A central goal of being a ...

  • Posted Feb. 28, 2018
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Experiments and evidence in sustainability science: A typology

  • Arizona State University (AZ)
  • Leuphana University of Lüneburg

Experiments are crucial for sustainability science because they allow researchers to produce evidence about the causes of sustainability problems and about the effectiveness of solutions. Many laboratory and field studies ...

  • Posted Feb. 28, 2018
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Sustainability Science (MS)

  • Columbia University (NY)

The program is designed for full-time and aspiring sustainability professionals, who wish to develop their skills in Earth systems observation, analysis, projection, and environmental remediation.

The program requires the completion ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2018
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Green Chemistry Commitment

  • Beyond Benign (MA)

The Green Chemistry Commitment is a voluntary, flexible framework for chemistry departments to progressively adopt green chemistry theory and practice. Recognizing that each institution has different capabilities and resources, the ...


Beacons, Not Towers: How Higher Education Can Help Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

  • United Nations University

Higher education is often idealized as a tool for implementing sustainable development. Yet the structures of higher education institutions (HEIs) often inhibit the types of problem solving and pedagogical design ...

  • Posted Feb. 22, 2018
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Sustainable Water Management

  • Tufts University (MA)

Launched by the Tufts Institute for the Environment, the one-year interdisciplinary master’s program offers four tracks, encompassing such areas as urban water infrastructure, the water-energy-food nexus, water diplomacy, and ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Education of Sustainable Development Competence in Higher Education Institution

  • Vytautas Magnus University

The present paper aims at exploring the role of higher education institution (HEI) on education of sustainable development competence (SDC). Considering the connection of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), it ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Education for Sustainable Development: Business modelling for flourishing

  • OCAD University (ON)
  • Halmstad University

As companies and other organizations increasingly recognize society’s demand for greater social and environmental sustainability, university and college business schools have responded with new pedagogic approaches. Business schools have ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Does Specific CSR Training for Managers Impact Shareholder Value? Implications for Education in Sustainable Development

  • University of Zaragoza

This study aims to analyze whether specific corporate social responsibility +CSR) training in sustainable development can boost the potential impact of CSR on shareholder value (i.e., corporate reputation, brand ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Developing digital educational materials for nursing and sustainability: The results of an observational study

  • University of Plymouth (Devon)
  • Maastricht University
  • Hochschule Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
  • University of Jaén

There is limited European literature on nursing and sustainability; nursing students are poorly prepared on the connections between resources, climate change, sustainability, and health, so they must acquire knowledge and ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Designing a sustainability-driven entrepreneurship curriculum as a social learning process: A case study from an international knowledge alliance project

  • University of Vechta
  • University of Gothenburg
  • Masaryk University
  • Vienna University of Economics and Business

Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in higher education curricula requires innovative ideas and approaches how to combine educational, sustainability and disciplinary knowledge, skills, experiences, and motivations. Curriculum developers are ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Decision making under the environmental perspective: Choosing between traditional and distance teaching courses

  • Universidade Paulista

Over the last 30 years, distance learning has rapidly spread in developed countries, and to niche markets in developing countries. In Brazil, approximately 5 million people are currently either achieving ...

  • Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Comparative analyses of sustainable campuses as living laboratories for managing environmental quality

  • Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Despite an emerging trend in the higher education sector toward sustainable campuses, comparative analyses that span multiple themes across multiple campuses are still limited. The purpose of this paper is ...

  • Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Climate change and higher education: Assessing factors that affect curriculum requirements

  • Vanderbilt University (TN)

Pervasive misinformation about climate change might be reduced if colleges were to include the topic within general education curriculum. This paper analyzes the general education (or “core”) curriculum in the ...

  • Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability: The Chemistry Connection

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

In the undergraduate curriculum, chemistry and sustainability connect easily and well. Topics in chemistry provide instructors with opportunities to engage students in learning about sustainability; similarly, topics in sustainability provide ...

  • Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Avoid, Control, Succumb, or Balance: Engineering Students’ Approaches to a Wicked Sustainability Problem

  • Chalmers University of Technology
  • University of Gothenburg

Wicked sustainability problems (WSPs) are an important and particularly challenging type of problem. Science and engineering education can play an important role in preparing students to deal with such problems ...

  • Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Assessing sustainability in higher education curricula: A critical reflection on validity issues

  • University of Victoria (BC)
  • KU Leuven
  • Open University of the Netherlands

While curricular assessments can give insight as to the extent sustainability is integrated into higher education study programs, issues remain regarding how assessments are conducted. Previous research has identified and ...


Analysis of Green Campus Initiatives Led by Voluntary Participants of University Students

  • Korean Association for Green Campus Initiative (Seoul)

Purpose: Since 2010, many universities in Korea have been implementing Green Leader Training Programs which are usually run by students themselves. In the last five years of 2015, the Green ...


An Investigation of University Students' Attitudes Toward Environmental Sustainability

The adoption of pro-environmental behavior is critical to reduce negative environmental impacts and move toward a more sustainable future. The role of higher education in training professionals to protect the ...


A proposal of a Balanced Scorecard for an environmental education program at universities

  • Université de l'État de Santa Catarina

By developing and implementing environmental concerns in its principles and infrastructure, universities are becoming increasingly active in promoting societal changes towards sustainable development. These environmental concerns are translated into comprehensive ...


A Competency Model for Management Education for Sustainability

Management education needs transformation to avoid socio-economic volatility in this globalised world and to deal with the crises of responsibility and sustainability. Despite rising demand and increasing popularity, management education ...


(Re-)designing higher education curricula in times of systemic dysfunction: a responsible research and innovation perspective

  • Wageningen University
  • University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
  • Queen's University Belfast

There is an urgent need to address the grand sustainability challenges of our time, and to explore new and more responsible ways of operating, researching, and innovating that enable society ...


Integrating Sustainability Philosophy into Business Curriculum

  • St. Thomas University (FL)
  • Westcliff University (CA)

This paper examines the status of sustainability integration in business schools and colleges as part of business education and training - curriculum. The authors argue that there is a need for ...


‘The learning sticks’: reflections on a case study of role-playing for sustainability

  • RMIT University

Use of role-plays to develop deep student-learning has many advocates. Role-play is a powerful approach for learning that develops relevant skills in a range of disciplines and situations. In Higher ...


Sustainable Development: Educating With Purpose

  • International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) (MA)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY “Sustainable Development: Educating with Purpose” is the focus of this year’s ISCNGULF report. In an increasingly fractured world, the Sustainable Development Goals are an instrument for solidarity ...


Summer REU in Urban Ecology and the Environment

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

The Brooklyn Urban Ecology and Environment Program (BUEE) is a NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates hosted at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. BUEE supports the training ...

  • Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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Fostering Sustainability by Management Education

This book presents insights and solutions for more effectively integrating corporate social responsibility into management education. Authors critically review this multifaceted process in a variety of countries. The book is ...


Preparing Sustainability-Literate Teachers

  • Western Washington University (WA)

Background/Context: This article explores sustainability as an emerging paradigm for preservice preparation of teachers. Sustainability education, which is rooted in Deweyan ideas about the fundamental social purposes of schooling ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Essential Elements of Sustainability in Teacher Education

  • Madonna University (MI)
  • University of Michigan (MI)
  • Creative Change Educational Solutions (MI)

This article focuses on defining the proficiencies new teachers need in order to be able to lead in educating for sustainability (EfS). Educating for sustainability involves teaching and learning collective ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Vignette question design for the assessment of graduate sustainability learning outcomes

  • RMIT University

The development of university wide graduate attributes has become an important mechanism for setting generic learning outcomes across higher education institutions. Many universities around the world have developed sets of ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Food Systems minor

  • Wells College (NY)

This minor investigates the challenges of the current global food system. With a focus on the cultural meanings of food, and the social and physical conditions under which we grow ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainability Minor

  • Wells College (NY)

The minor in Sustainability examines the interplay among the environmental, social, and economic forces involved in addressing the challenges to a sustainable future.

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Science Bachelor

  • Wells College (NY)

As an environmental science major, students will study the earth, its ecosystems, environmental challenges and environmental problem-solving. Students will work closely with top professors who bring extensive environmental research experience ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainability Bachelor

  • Wells College (NY)

This major recognizes the environment as a physical, social, cultural and psychological construct that is threatened by many forms of human activity. It further recognizes that humanity can make a ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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MS in Sustainable Natural Resource Management

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

This online master’s degree in Sustainable Natural Resource Management uses a transdisciplinary process for understanding and managing the natural world. Important factors impacting natural communities include climate change and ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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MS in Sustainability Science

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

Sustainability science is a problem-based, solution-oriented framework for creating a resilient civilization. The framework combines technical sustainability with skills based in the social sciences and humanities to create effective change ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Ecology Minor

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

The ecology minor is intended to compliment other environmental majors and help students develop the skills to use ecological science to address a wide range of environmental issues.

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Interpretation & Education Minor

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

The environmental interpretation and education minor offers students the opportunity to explore the fields of formal and non-informal learning environments, how people learn, the needs of diverse audiences and the ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Forest Management Minor

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

The Sustainable Forest Management minor offers students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to measure and assess forest and other natural resources in order to understand the ecology ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Policy, Law, and Society (BS)

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

The Environmental Policy, Law, and Society program is designed to give students tools and knowledge needed to improve the environmental health of both humans and the natural world through wise ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Energy Management (BS)

  • Unity Environmental University (ME)

This program allows students to develop their talents and skills as applied scientists, entrepreneurs, business managers, and planners in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related responses to ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainability Program

  • St. Lawrence University (NY)

The Sustainability Program is a living-learning community at SLU’s Sustainability Farm, where you will live with other students committed to creating a more sustainable world. Students will live and ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Conservation Biology

  • St. Lawrence University (NY)

Conservation Biology majors 1) gain knowledge about fundamental principles important to the conservation of global biodiversity, 2) learn the particular methods associated with biodiversity conservation, 3) develop an appreciation for ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Studies (BA)

  • St. Lawrence University (NY)

Environmental Studies stand alone major (B.A.) is for students who wish to concentrate their efforts in environmental studies. This major is tailored to individual interests and emphasizes depth in ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Green Real Estate Certificate

  • North Seattle College (WA)

A recent study conducted by GreenWorks Realty showed that green homes in King County sold more quickly and for more money during 2007-08 than their non-green counterparts. No wonder then ...

  • Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Living and Learning: A Learning Community for First-Year Students

  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)

First-year students have the opportunity to participate in a special, two-semester long Learning Community that will investigate the intersection of sustainability and consumption with a particular emphasis on the relationship ...

  • Posted Jan. 23, 2018
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Sustainable Development Minor

  • Lehigh University (PA)

The minor in SDEV consists of a minimum of at least 15 hours of study that includes a combination of core courses and approved electives. To declare a minor in ...

  • Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Environmental Studies Minor

  • Gonzaga University (WA)

The Environmental Studies Program connects science with study of the historical, social, ethical, legal and political issues that affect our natural world and how we interact with it. The Minor ...

  • Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Environmental Studies (BA)

  • Lehigh University (PA)

The Environmental Studies BA program examines the cultural, economic, historical, communication, political and social factors that influence local, national, international and global environmental issues and policies. Investigating a wide range ...

  • Posted Jan. 18, 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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