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.
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Event organized by Institut EDDEC
- Polytechnique Montréal (QC)
This photo was taken during the "Transition towards a circular economy: opportunities and challenges for Quebec and Canada" event organized by the EDDEC Institute in May 2016 in Montreal.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
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Good Business Friday Discussion
- Babson College (MA)
Weekly discussion of sustainability in business hosted by the Lewis Institute at Babson.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
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Tapping campus maple trees
- Babson College (MA)
Students, faculty, and staff working together to tap campus maple trees to make maple syrup.
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
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Learning our campus trees
- Babson College (MA)
Ecology course studying trees on campus
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
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Engaged Learning in Costa Rica course
- Babson College (MA)
Faculty and students on sustainability course in Costa Rica
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
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Ecoroof Management Plan
- Portland State University (OR)
The Broadway Residence Hall at Portland State University received LEED Silver certification in 2004,with a combination of sustainable construction practices and green building features, including a 18,000 square foot ecoroof, …
- Posted Sept. 9, 2016
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A Practical Guide to the United Nations Global Compact for Higher Education Institutions
This publication offers guidelines for higher education institutions in implementing the ten principles of the UN Global Compact within the organization and then leading their global adoption.
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
- Publications
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A Mixed Methods Assessment of the Development, Use, and Educational Effectiveness of University Campus Sustainability Tours
- Western Kentucky University (KY)
Campus sustainability tours are available at dozens of colleges and universities across the United States. These tours are considered a vital tool in interpreting the environmental and sustainable aspects of …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
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Gaps in sustainability education: The impact of higher education coursework on perceptions of sustainability
- College of Charleston (SC)
- Presbyterian College (SC)
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how both the amount and type of coursework impact students’ conceptualizations of sustainability. Previous research demonstrates that academic coursework influences students’ environmental attitudes, yet …
- Posted Sept. 6, 2016
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PhD in Organizational Systems: Leadership of Sustainable Systems
- Saybrook University (CA)
This program is designed to help students lead in a way that empowers people within the communities they serve. Guided by faculty with years of experience in the field, students …
- Posted Aug. 31, 2016
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Online Certificate in Sustainable Resource Management
- Kankakee Community College (IL)
This 2-course certificate certificate program is designed to prepare students for careers in sustainable resource management. Those who complete the courses are eligible to take the Illinois Recycling Association's Sustainable …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Integrated Water Management
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Integrated Water Management is an intensive one-year degree program that will enable you to spearhead initiatives focused on water use, treatment, research and …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Green Bio-Products
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Green Bio-Products is an intensive one-year degree program that equips students with the technical and leadership skills required to contribute to the growing …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Clean Energy Engineering
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Clean Energy Engineering is an intensive one-year degree program for engineers and environmental science graduates who want to advance their careers in the …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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BSc in Natural Resources Conservation
- University of British Columbia (BC)
This interdisciplinary program prepares students for careers in conservation and management. Encompassing the natural and social sciences, students will learn how to use the technologically advanced tools and quantitative techniques …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Transitions to Sustainability
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
Demonstrating how a university can, in a very practical and pragmatic way, be re-envisioned through a transdisciplinary informed frame, this book shows how through an open and collegiate spirit of …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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How Much do U.S. University Students Know, and Want to Know About Sustainability and Green Building? The Findings of a Survey, and Possible Implications for General Elective Curriculum
- Weber State University (UT)
- Purdue University (IN)
Using the survey approach, this investigation examined the attitudes and interest of college students at two universities in different geographic locations within the United States. Approximately 24,000 students from all …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Raising environmental awareness through education
This paper presents a method for involving learners in awareness-raising and real changes in consumption. The described method is a teaching assignment comprising a self-audit of household chemicals' consumption, system …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Sustainability teaching in higher education institutions of Kazakhstan
Sustainability teaching is challenging due to problems of the economic development, as well as of overcoming a post-communist mentality in countries with economies in transition. This is particularly relevant for …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Education for Sustainable Development in Further Education: Embedding Sustainability into Teaching, Learning and the Curriculum
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
This book will enable teachers and managers in the post-compulsory sector to consider a range of approaches to embed Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in their practice in the post-compulsory …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2016
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Nursing students’ attitudes towards sustainability and health care
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
Aim
To evaluate attitudes towards embedding sustainability and climate change in nursing curricula among nursing students, some of whom had participated in a sustainability and health skills session, and determine …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Bitten by the Green Design Bug
According to U.S. News & World Report, "sustainability sensibility is sweeping through and transforming the curricula in America's colleges of engineering, as more educators emphasize the importance of designs …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Certificate in Greenhouse Gas Management
- George Washington University (DC)
- Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (MD)
The Certificate in Greenhouse Gas Management is designed to prepare students professionally to contribute to the coming low carbon future. The George Washington University partnered with the Greenhouse Gas Management …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Doctorate of Public Health in Environmental & Occupational Health
- George Washington University (DC)
The goal of the EOH DrPH program is to prepare students for advanced level professional work in research, policy, and program design and administration in the field of Environmental and …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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MPH in Global Environmental Health
- George Washington University (DC)
The Mission of the Global Environmental Health MPH program – a joint program between the Departments of Global Health and Environmental and Occupational Health – is to educate individuals who …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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MPH in Environmental Health Science and Policy
- George Washington University (DC)
The Mission of the Environmental Health Science and Policy MPH program is to educate individuals who are committed to public health protection to apply critical analytic skills to the development, …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Graduate Certificate in Responsible Management
- George Washington University (DC)
The Certificate in Responsible Management (CRM) program is designed to enhance the preparation of students as responsible leaders. The CRM offers students the opportunity to participate in seminars, projects, courses, …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management
- George Washington University (DC)
Awarded jointly by the George Washington University and The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management requires completion of 3 core courses and three electives. The …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Master of Tourism Administration with Concentration in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management
- George Washington University (DC)
The GW Master of Tourism Administration program equips students for competitive management positions in tourism, hospitality, sport and event and meeting management. Designed for tourism destination managers, marketers, developers, business …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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MA in Environmental Resource Policy
- George Washington University (DC)
The Environmental Resource Policy (ENRP) Program at GW offers a multidisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies. The Master of Arts program prepares students to enter environmental policy careers in …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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BA in Environmental Studies
- George Washington University (DC)
The Environmental Studies Program is an integrated, multi-disciplinary, science-based program that focuses on interactions between people and the natural and built environments .
Part of GW's Geography Department, the environmental …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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Undergraduate Minor in Sustainability
- George Washington University (DC)
The Undergraduate Minor in Sustainability allows students to explore the challenges of sustainability and to think about how to develop solutions to pressing issues at the local, regional, and global …
- Posted Aug. 24, 2016
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AAS in Sustainability Technologies
- Cape Fear Community College (NC)
The Sustainability Technologies program is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of the new energy economy. The program’s three focus areas – Sustainability, Renewable Energy, and Buildings – …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
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Dual Major in EcoGastronomy
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
The Dual Major in EcoGastronomy prepares students for professions within the rapidly evolving food community—from farm to fork to nutrition and health outcomes. The Dual Major integrates University of New …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
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Sustainability now key selling point for business schools attracting students
The Guardian reports that "students are now demanding business courses include sustainability on the syllabus."
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
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The I3E model for embedding education for sustainability within higher education institutions
- University of Southampton
This paper presents an evidence-based model (the I3E model) for embedding education for sustainability (EfS) within a higher education institution. This model emerged from a doctoral research that examined organizational …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
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Health Educators Climate Commitment
- Columbia University (NY)
The Health Educators Climate Commitment is a pledge by 118 medical, public health, and nursing schools from 15 countries to train their students to address the health impacts of climate …
- Posted Aug. 23, 2016
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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 with …
- 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.S. …
- 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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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.