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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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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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 psychology, …
- 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 landscapes. …
- 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 complete …
- 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 complete …
- 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 complete …
- 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 approaches …
- 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 preserve contains diverse …
- 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 in …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2016
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College and University Environmental Programs as a Policy Problem (Part 2): Strategies for Improvement
- Bucknell University (PA)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- Ursinus College (PA)
- Yale University (CT)
- University of Alberta (AB)
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
- Simon Fraser University (BC)
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?
- Bucknell University (PA)
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- Ursinus College (PA)
- Yale University (CT)
- University of Alberta (AB)
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
- Simon Fraser University (BC)
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 to …
- 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. Certification …
- 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 we focus …
- 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 …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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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 regional, …
- 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 …
- Posted Aug. 8, 2016
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Beyond Science: Framing Sustainability to Welcome All Disciplines
- AASHE (MA)
- 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
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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 …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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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’ …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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The impact of globalization and environmental change on health: challenges for nurse education
The environment is an established domain of nursing knowledge, but some authors argue that the traditional perspective is too narrowly focused on the immediate environment to appreciate the relevance of …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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The health effects of climate change: What does a nurse need to know?
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
The scientific evidence for anthropogenic climate change has been established with increasing precision and there are widespread concerns about its potential to undermine the public health gains of the past …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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The ‘sustainability lens’: A framework for nurse education that is ‘fit for the future’
- University of Nottingham
In this paper we describe and justify a framework for curriculum development that uses the concept of a sustainability lens. This is based on an understanding that we construct our …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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The need for a ‘sustainability curriculum’ in nurse education
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
This paper addresses the imperative to address sustainability and climate change in nurse education. This will be done by outlining the socio-political and policy context and a discussion of a …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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Sustainability in nursing: a concept analysis
Aim: The aim of this study was to describe, explore and explain the concept of sustainability in nursing.
Background: Although researchers in nursing and medicine have emphasised the issue of …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2016
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Beyond problem solving: Engineering and the public good in the 21st century
- University of Sydney (NSW)
Problem solving is upheld as a defining feature of engineering identity, and the ability to solve problems is built into engineering curricula as a learning outcome and a graduate attribute. …
- Posted Aug. 1, 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.