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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Enhancing Climate Change Education Through the Power of Storytelling
- Climate Stories Project (MA)
Students and members of the higher education community are feeling overwhelmed by the scale and the pace of the climate crisis but lack a forum for speaking with others about …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Implementing an Undergraduate Sustainability Requirement at the University of Iowa
- University of Iowa (IA)
Join us to gain insight into how the University of Iowa was able to create and implement a campus-wide undergraduate course requirement for sustainability. This effort Began in the College …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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When Things Feel Out of Control: Engaging Undergraduates in Climate Emotions Research
- Wells College (NY)
Engaging undergraduate students in place-based ethnographic research helps develop their efficacy and confidence as sustainability change makers. Faculty at Wells College are mentoring teams of undergraduate researchers conducting a multi-year, …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Cross-disciplinary Curriculum and Programing That Supports Innovative Sustainable Solutions
- Fashion Institute of Technology (NY)
The implementation of new approaches and technologies is paving a pathway forward for the fashion and related industries to reduce impact on our global ecosystem. This conversation will showcase the …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Mining for SDG Gold in Higher Education Curricula
- Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ)
Our research aimed to assess how Ramapo College of New Jersey teaches sustainable development goals and highlight areas that require improvement. In order to do this, we analyzed over 2300 …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Developing Campus-Community Sustainability Internship Programs
- University of Florida (FL)
Creating connections between college campuses, community organizations, and businesses is vital for strengthening networks and developing sustainability projects that benefit people and planet. The Active Learning Program provides University of …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Advancing Sustainability in Higher Education: Two Proposals
- American Council on Education (DC)
- Global Council for Science and the Environment (MD)
Sustainability curriculum is rapidly evolving and expanding across higher education: in Gen Ed, through the AASHE Centers for Sustainability Across the Curriculum, in the creation of new degrees and certificates, …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Where Teaching and Learning Happens Matters: Sustainability Education Outside the Classroom
- Elon University (NC)
In the context of higher education, the significance of where teaching and learning happens is often assumed or taken for granted. To be sure, service-learning, study away, and community-based learning …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Campus as Classroom: Learning for Sustainability Leadership
- Smith College (MA)
This session introduces an integrative pedagogy for learning about sustainability, where 1) the campus functions as a learning space; 2) learning is organized around authentic problems, whether emerging from an …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Sustainability Curriculum Integration Discussion
- Santa Clara University (CA)
- Western Washington University (WA)
How do we integrate sustainability into the curriculum? What are the best practices for teaching sustainability? How are the key competencies for sustainability assessed? This networking session is for those …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Decolonizing Compost
- University of the Incarnate Word (TX)
This presentation describes how composting has been integrated into the Sustainability Studies curriculum at my institution and its pedagogical benefits. We have on-site composting in our community gardens, and we …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Grounding Sustainability Education in Self-compassion and Radical Hope
- University of South Dakota (SD)
We define sustainability as asking the questions, “What kind of world do we want?” and “How can we effect change to create that world?” A goal of this framing of …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Beyond the Concepts! What Faculty Need to Feel Ready to Teach Sustainability in the Classroom
- Seneca Polytechnic (ON)
It can be argued that for faculty, infusing sustainability across one’s curriculum is as much a deeply personal act as it is a collective academic endeavour. Teaching sustainability is multivalent …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Engaging Public Health Students in Environmental Justice Through a Collaborative Art Project
- Mercer University (GA)
Background. Environmental justice issues may be new to undergraduate public health students. While they are enthusiastic to learn about and engage in environmental justice issues they often do not know …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Sustainability at the Core: Business Curriculum for a Sustainable Future
- Saint Mary's University (NS)
Join us in this informative session as we share our journey of integrating sustainability at the very core of our Bachelor of Commerce program at the Sobey School of Business …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Innovations in Assessing Sustainability Competence, Culture, Literacy, and Engagement
- Santa Clara University (CA)
- University at Albany (NY)
- University of Florida (FL)
Assess the state of sustainability on your campus! Whether you wish to assess sustainability for instructional assessment or for your institution’s AASHE STARS report, this session will cover various assessments, …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Out of The Box Sustainability: Green Education Support for Title I Schools
- Maryville College (TN)
How can underrepresented students, in under-resourced schools in economically distressed communities be supported with their sustainability education efforts? The answer might be found in a box. Classrooms in a Box …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2024
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Ground Truths: Community-Engaged Research for Environmental Justice
- Occidental College (CA)
- Santa Clara University (CA)
This open-access book is the first volume devoted entirely to summarizing the body of community-engaged research on environmental justice, how we can conduct more of it, and how we can …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2024
- Publications
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Design Thinking for Sustainable Development Education: Practical Toolkit
- AASHE (MA)
- Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design (Jerusalem)
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design’s Sustainable Development Hub and the School of Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have collaborated to create a Practical Toolkit for Sustainable …
- Posted Feb. 8, 2024
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How we see water: Developing a transdisciplinary course through a local lens
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
- AASHE (MA)
Human activity has contributed to climate change and environmental degradation. As a result, our freshwater supplies are facing a major threat. Water is vital for life. It is our responsibility …
- Posted Feb. 6, 2024
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Water Resources (MS)
- University of Idaho (ID)
Students will learn to collaborate effectively with peers in other fields and with key stakeholders and professionals to define, research, and achieve creative and sustainable solutions to contemporary water problems. …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Water Resources (PhD)
- University of Idaho (ID)
Students will learn to collaborate effectively with peers in other fields and with key stakeholders and professionals to define, research, and achieve creative and sustainable solutions to contemporary water problems. …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Fish and Wildlife Science (MS)
- University of Idaho (ID)
The M.S. degree with major study in either fishery resources or wildlife resources is awarded when a student has met the requirements listed below. A formal graduate program of at …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Food Systems (BS/BA)
- Prescott College (AZ)
This degree explores food systems from agricultural processes, to marketplace dynamics, to the issues of food justice. Students engage in interdisciplinary study and practice, drawing on history, environmental studies and …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainability Management (BA)
- Prescott College (AZ)
The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Management is designed to give students a home for their personal vision of how to design and implement measures that facilitate business goals and …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Resilient and Sustainable Communities (MS)
- Prescott College (AZ)
The Master of Science degree in Resilient and Sustainable Communities (MRSC) uses a bioregional approach to distance learning, in which students apply what they learn in each course to their …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Environmental Studies and Conservation Biology
- Prescott College (AZ)
Conservation Biology is an interdisciplinary field that has developed rapidly to respond to a global crisis confronting biological diversity and the cultural diversity that depends upon it. Practitioners of Conservation …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainability Leadership (MBA)
- Prescott College (AZ)
Graduates lead the way in integrating environmental, social, and governance actions into entrepreneurial ventures, sustainable businesses, nonprofits, and government.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Food Systems (MS)
- Prescott College (AZ)
This degree supports the strengthening of communities and their members by helping people re(build) healthy, just and sustainable food systems. In today’s world of complex food, nutrition, and agriculture systems, …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Food Systems (MBA-MSFS)
- Prescott College (AZ)
Designed for students interested in transforming food systems. Students gain sustainable leadership skills and tools with the knowledge of systems science needed to build and change businesses that contribute to …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Community Planning (MCP)
- Auburn University (AL)
The community planning program is concerned with the use of land, protection of the environment, public welfare, the design of public spaces and infrastructure, and the economy.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Landscape Architecture (MA)
- Auburn University (AL)
The Auburn Master's in Landscape Architecure involves three areas of inquiry, which guide and regulate its teaching and learning strategies. These are ecological urbanism, environmental justice and global challenges. Together …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Earth System Science (PhD)
- Auburn University (AL)
Is based on the integration of scientific disciplines from five participating colleges and 10 academic departments at Auburn University, providing for a curriculum of unusual richness and breadth. The earth …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Applied Economics, Agriculture (PhD)
- Auburn University (AL)
Focuses on the applications of economic theory and econometrics to resolve problems concerning agricultural endeavors.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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International Studies, Global Health and Environment (BA)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Environmental issues such as climate change, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity are inherently global. International studies majors in the global environmental sustainability concentration are able to combine …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainability Studies (BA, BS)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Provides students an understanding and appreciation of the interdisciplinary aspects of sustainability, energy and the environment. The goal of the program and the Hanley Sustainability Institute is to equip students …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Human Rights Studies (BA)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Intended to produce intellectually adept students capable of performing rigorous research and conducting high quality analysis of critical questions in the area of human rights. It is equally intended to …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Human Rights Studies (Minor)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Provides students an opportunity to address issues related to human rights from various disciplinary approaches. The universal nature of human rights issues may directly relate to a major, while in …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Renewable & Clean Energy (MS)
- University of Dayton (OH)
Students will take in-depth courses in solar engineering, geothermal engineering, wind engineering, biofuels, building and industrial energy efficiency develop, and energy data analytics. Project-based experiences linked to industrial and governmental …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainability Leadership (Minor)
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
The minor provides an opportunity for students in any academic major to develop key competencies that will be the foundation for their growth as sustainability leaders in their civic and …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Environmental Science (BS)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Students majoring in Environmental Science prepare for a variety of careers in the private and public sector. Environmental scientists perform environmental impact analyses, water/soil pollution assessment and remediation, water resource …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Major (BS)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
For students interested in meteorology, weather forecasting, climatology and air pollution, and fulfills the education requirements for federally employed meteorologists. Students in this program conduct forecasting of weather, extreme events …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Environmental Studies (MS)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Program provides an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career through innovation and research. This post-graduate program offered on a full time basis has a well-designed curriculum …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Environmental Atmospheric Science (Graduated Certificate)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Designed for students who have an interest in the environmental aspects of the Atmospheric Sciences. The intended audience is practitioners in the environmental field who want to broaden their expertise. …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies (Graduate Certificate)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
The certificate will be particularly valuable for: 1.Those who have encountered conflict in their personal and/or professional lives. 2.People working in very diverse fields, such as human services, law enforcement, …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Graduate Certificate)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
The Sustainable Infrastructure for Developing Nations certificate program courses are designed to include this specialized knowledge while also meeting the requirements for domestic employment. Courses for the certificate are specifically …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Interior Architecture (MFA)
- University of North Carolina, Greensboro (NC)
Offers students a venue for advanced investigations of the built environment in close collaboration with faculty mentors. Particular strengths in historic preservation, interior product design, community-engaged design, acoustics, and human-environment …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Energy Engineering (Minor)
- Lehigh University (PA)
The mechanical engineering curriculum provides the fundamental knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and other related areas leading up to the courses for the energy engineering minor. The courses offer a …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Earth and Environmental Sciences (Minor)
- Lehigh University (PA)
Exposes students to the fundamentals in environmental science, geology, and ecology, all in the context of a modern earth-systems-science approach.
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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Leadership for Sustainable Communities (BA)
- Saint Joseph's College - ME (ME)
Students learn to solve real-world problems, and prepare for a lifetime of community leadership. The program goes far beyond traditional academic barriers to dig into real-world challenges — preparing students …
- Posted Dec. 13, 2023
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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.