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
Embracing Social Sustainability in Design Education: A Reflection on a Case Study in Haiti
Sustainable design issues are complex and multi-faceted and need integration in the education of young designers. Current research recommends a holistic view based on problem-solving and inter-disciplinary work, yet few …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Higher Education in a Sustainable Society: A Case for Mutual Competence Building
This book addresses the following question: What is a sustainable society, and how can higher education help us to develop toward it? The core argument put forward is that the …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Sustainability Education in the Interior Design Curriculum
- Western Carolina University (NC)
Interior design education is by nature as transdisciplinary as sustainability education. Design students learn about environment-human behavior relationships through holistic, systems-based means, encompassing the fundamental components of sustainability. A model …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Minor in Sustainable Design
- Pennsylvania College of Technology (PA)
This minor requires 6 courses, including Building Materials I, Sustainability: Building and Living Green, Passive Design and BIM, and 3 sustainable design minor electives.
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Building Science and Sustainable Design (BS)
- Pennsylvania College of Technology (PA)
The Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science and Sustainable Design promotes a healthier, more energy efficient way to build which reduces negative environmental impacts and slows the depletion of …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Institute for Sustainable Design
- Cooper Union (NY)
The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design seeks to provide the greater Cooper Union community—architects, engineers and artists—with the cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills that are necessary to create a sustainable …
- Posted April 26, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
How not what: teaching sustainability as process
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Ever since the word “sustainability” entered public discourse, the concept has escaped definition. The United Nations has christened the years 2005–2014 “The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development” and …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
The Class of 2000 Report: Environmental Education, Practices and Activism on Campus
The aims of this report are twofold: to provide basic information and ideas which will enhance the understanding of environmental education, practices and activism on campus; and to develop action …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Spires, plateaus and the infertile landscape of Education for Sustainable Development: re-invigorating the university through integrating community, campus and curriculum
- Queen's University Belfast
Education for and research on sustainable development are currently not well served by the modern university, particularly in the UK. While there is rhetoric about supporting more interdisciplinary research and …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Educating for sustainability: A double-edged sword?
- San Francisco State University (CA)
Evidence from three sections of an undergraduate Business, Government and Society (BG&S) core course suggests that heightened awareness of corporate and executive wrong-doing vis-a-vis the natural environment, and/or emphasis on …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Missing links: gender and education for sustainable development
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
Focusing on the impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this paper argues for a gender-sociologically, and ecologically sensitive approach to the complex range of issues raised by environmental concerns. The …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Whose emergencies and who decides? Insights from emergency education for a more anticipatory Education for Sustainable Development
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
Education in humanitarian crises (i.e., emergency education) plays an increasingly important role not only given ongoing crises, but also potential future crises which could be triggered by climate change induced …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Understanding the connections between double bind thinking and the ecological crises: implications for educational reform
This paper examines several reasons most professors of education are unable to recognise that the ecological crises require more than technologies that have a smaller ecological footprint. First, there is …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
As the heating happens: Education for Sustainable Development or Education for Sustainable Contraction?
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
There is widespread consensus within the international scientific community that global warming is happening and that its causes are primarily anthropogenic. Future histories anticipate massive environmental and social upheaval unless …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Incorporating education for sustainability into management education: how can we do this?
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS
The area of sustainability has begun to receive increasing attention in management education. New ways of including the topic of sustainability in higher education are being discussed. Nonetheless, the question, …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
The university as a site for transformation around sustainability
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
- Bradford University (West Yorkshire)
Universities are increasingly being seen as key sites for transformation around sustainability. However, much of the literature in this area uses the terms transformation and transformative learning rather uncritically. Moreover, …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Towards a praxis of sustainability education in universities
- RMIT University
Sustainability education has been advocated as an alternative to traditional approaches in the delivery of education in a university context. Scholars in higher education are aware that a whole-of-sector recalibration …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Successes and snags of a sustainability course in higher education
- University of Arizona (AZ)
By means of an action-research methodological approach, this paper analyses the accomplishments and challenges of a university-wide course that offers sustainability theory and practice to help students adopt pro-sustainability behaviours …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Rutgers Center for Green Building
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
Housed at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, the Rutgers Center for Green Building, forms a common umbrella for existing and proposed initiatives being carried out …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
BS in Ethnobotany
- Frostburg State University (MD)
The Bachelors of Science in Ethnobotany is one of a few undergraduate programs in the United States. Students can major or minor in the relationships between peoples and plants. The …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Concentration in Sustainability (Master of Business & Science)
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Master of Business & Science with a concentration in Sustainability is designed to help students identify, analyze and better understand connections among social, environmental, technological and economic systems. Designed …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Human Dimensions of Environmental Change Graduate Certificate
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
The Department of Human Ecology coordinates an interdisciplinary graduate certificate on human dimensions of environmental change. A collaboration among faculty from several graduate programs, the certificate program allows students to …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Minor in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
Students in this minor take a foundational course in Introduction to Human Ecology and 6 additional courses from a list of options.
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior (BS)
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior (EPIB) examines the human dimensions of environmental problems. It addresses such issues as how human actions affect the environment; how societies adapt to changes in …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Minor in Sustainability
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick Campus (NJ)
Students in this minor complete 3 foundational courses, a practicum course, and a course in each of the following areas of inquiry: Resource Management Systems; Governance; and Economics and Social …
- Posted April 25, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Sport Sustainability Leadership Certificate at Seattle University
- Seattle University (WA)
The first of its kind in the world, the fully online Certificate in Sport Sustainability Leadership addresses the global concern for increased environmental and ecological sustainability in the sport industry. …
- Posted April 22, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
- View more
Sport Sustainability Leadership Certificate (online)
- Seattle University (WA)
The first of its kind in the world, the Certificate in Sport Sustainability Leadership addresses the global concern for increased environmental and ecological sustainability in the sport industry. We empower …
- Posted April 22, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
An MBA’s Guide to the Triple Bottom Line
- University of Scranton (PA)
The “Sustainability and the MBA: The Triple Bottom Line” guide helps you discover how to build stronger and more sustainable relationships between organizations, stakeholders, and the community.
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Green Chemistry & Sustainable Industrial Technology (MSc)
- University of York
The first course of its kind to be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology is designed to equip students with …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Green Chemistry and Engineering (PSM)
- University of Toledo (OH)
Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree option is for students who want to concentrate their M.S. studies on principles of green chemistry and green engineering and incorporate aspects of business and …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence
- University of York
The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) pioneers pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research through its technology platforms on microwave chemistry, alternative solvents, clean synthesis and renewable materials. …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Transforming Higher Education: A Practical Plan for Integrating Sustainability Education into the Student Experience
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
This paper introduces a comprehensive plan for integrating sustainability education into the practices of nearly any college or university. Best practices in sustainability education including green orientation, first year education, …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Green Chemistry and Sustainability: An Undergraduate Course for Science and Nonscience Majors
- Creighton University (NE)
An undergraduate lecture course in Green Chemistry and Sustainability has been developed and taught to a “multidisciplinary” group of science and nonscience majors. The course introduced students to the topics …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Design of a Dynamic Undergraduate Green Chemistry Course
- Westminster College - Pennsylvania (PA)
The green chemistry course taught at Westminster College (PA) incorporates nontraditional teaching techniques and texts to educate future chemists about the importance of using green chemistry principles. The course is …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Infusing the Chemistry Curriculum with Green Chemistry Using Real-World Examples, Web Modules, and Atom Economy in Organic Chemistry Courses
- University of Scranton (PA)
Green chemistry principles and practices have been infused in the chemistry curriculum at the University of Scranton, including courses in general, organic, and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, environmental, polymer, industrial, and …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Real-World Cases in Green Chemistry, Volume II
Introduce your students to green chemistry principles with these examples of ten projects that have received or been nominated for the prestigious Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. These cases are …
- Posted April 21, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Toward Sustainable Chemistry
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
This essay argues that: "When chemists teach their students about the compositions, outcomes, mechanisms, controlling forces, and economic value of chemical processes, the attendant dangers to human health and to …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Green Chemistry Education: Changing the Course of Chemistry
This American Chemical Society Symposium Series Book collects the current research and advances in the field of green chemistry, with an emphasis on providing educators with the knowledge and tools …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Education for Sustainability in Universities: Challenges and Opportunities for Change
- RMIT University
Education for sustainability (EfS) is widely supported and researched; however, the broad and deep implementation of EfS in universities that is needed lags behind the goals of change agents. This …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Educating for sustainability: environmental pledges as part of tertiary pedagogical practice in science teacher education
Educating for sustainability has been a key principle underpinning the primary/middle undergraduate teacher education programme at an Australian University for the past decade. Educating for sustainability seeks to provide knowledge …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Publications
- View more
Institute for Green Science
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
The Institute for Green Science is a center for basic green science research in oxidation catalysis aimed at the invention of new green technologies designed to aid in the pursuit …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Green Chemistry
- University of Massachusetts Boston (MA)
The Center for Green Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Boston conducts research and administers the Green Chemistry Track in the Chemistry PhD Program.
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Reilly Center explores conceptual, ethical, and policy issues where science and technology intersect with society from different disciplinary perspectives. Its purpose is to promote the advancement of science and …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Applied Energy Research
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy (CAER) investigates energy technologies to improve the environment. Researchers contribute to technically-sound policies related to fossil and renewable energy. CAER is one …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
RASEI (pronounced RAY-see) is a joint institute between the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) addressing important, complex problems in energy that require a …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame (ND Energy) is a University Research Center whose mission is to foster and grow energy-related research toward sustainable and affordable energy solutions, …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Center for the Environment
- Harvard University (MA)
The Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE) encourages research and education about the environment and its many interactions with human society.
The Center draws its strength from faculty members …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Research Centers & Institutes
- View more
Sustainability, Energy and Environment Fellows Program
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
Why is true sustainability so hard to achieve? Behind every environmentally friendly practice is a web of consequences, trade-offs, feedbacks, and barriers — and this undergraduate minor administered by the …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Science (PSM)
- University of Massachusetts Boston (MA)
UMass Boston’s Professional Science Master’s in Environmental Science provides students with natural science knowledge, quantitative skills, business acumen, and communication skills appropriate for existing and emerging professional science needs in …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- Academic Programs
- View more
Environmental Science (PhD)
- University of Massachusetts Boston (MA)
For the PhD in environmental sciences, 60 credits are required. These credits are earned through a combination of course work and research. Formal course work includes a required core curriculum …
- Posted April 20, 2016
- 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.