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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Obstacles to Environmental Progress: A US Perspective
- Austin College (TX)
Open-access (free) book from University College London Press. The primary intended audiences are undergraduate and graduate students in environmental studies, sustainability, and related fields. The book focuses on predictable, practical …
- Posted March 6, 2023
- Publications
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Devise and Dismantle Racial Inequity through Inclusive Professional Learning and Course Design
- Old Dominion University (VA)
- San Diego Mesa College (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Diversity, equity, and Inclusion operations within higher education are critical to fostering an environment that dismantles structural racism and intentionally develops solutions to challenges faced by marginalized and non-marginalized populations. …
- Posted March 3, 2023
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Water Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
Skilled sustainability professionals are needed in order to create effective solutions to the complex global water challenges. This certificate program will equip students with the theory, practice and skills to …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Sustainable Transportation Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
The predominant focus on automobile transportation has led to a variety of consequences that are less than sustainable such as urban sprawl, rising rates of obesity, growth in green house …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Sustainable Tourism Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, accounting for 9% of the world GDP and 10.5% of the world's workforce. Tourism is also the fastest growing industry …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Global Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
The Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability is intended to prepare students to address complex regional, national, and global challenges related to sustainability and the ability to innovate in diverse cultural, …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Food Sustainability and Security
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
Concerns about population growth, human health, and environmental quality have made food sustainability and security a top priority worldwide. The goal of this program is to provide students with a …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Energy Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
Concerns about future economic growth, standards of living, and environmental quality have made sustainable energy a top priority worldwide. The goal of this certificate program is to provide students with …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
The certificate program in Climate Mitigation and Adaptation is intended to prepare students to address complex regional, national and global challenges associated with climate change adaptation and resilience. This concentration/certificate …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Sustainable Business Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
The Sustainable Business graduate certificate will provide a foundation for designing sustainable organizations and businesses and related concepts pertaining to sustainability. Organizations and businesses from all sectors need to develop …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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MS in Global Sustainability
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
- University of South Florida (FL)
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Global Sustainability offers five (5) academic concentrations, available in a traditional on-campus format, blended hybrid formats or fully online: Entrepreneurship, Food Sustainability and …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
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Environmental Justice in Higher Education: From Intent to Sustainable Action
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Princeton University (NJ)
- AASHE (MA)
This webinar will trace shifts in the traditional framing of sustainability in higher education and how it is implemented, following the recent racial reckoning in the wake of the killing …
- Posted Feb. 16, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Summer REU in Urban Ecology and the Environment (2024 enrollment)
- City University of New York, Baruch College (NY)
- The City University of New York (NY)
- 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 Jan. 10, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops
- Moving Still Productions Inc.
Teach climate change with the following free resources: Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops, a series of five short films narrated by Richard Gere, featuring twelve renown climate scientists, and endorsed by …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2022
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Sustainability Management Simulation: Net Zero
- Harvard University (MA)
In the Sustainability Management Simulation: Net Zero - Winner of the 2022 Gold Medal at the International Serious Play Awards - learners play the role of the General Manager of …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2022
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Employing the SDGs to Enhance University Research and Education Sustainability Objectives
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- University of Southern California (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Although the SDGs are a global framework, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to how universities employ them to enhance research, education, and operational sustainability objectives. The purpose of this …
- Posted Oct. 17, 2022
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Webinar: Assessing Sustainability Literacy & Culture: Innovations & Lessons Learned by Multiple Institutions
- Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ)
- University of Southern California (CA)
- Weber State University (UT)
- Williams College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
This interactive panel discussion will feature four presenters from different geographic regions (eastern and western United States) and institutional contexts (private and public, and from small liberal arts colleges to …
- Posted Oct. 4, 2022
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Webinar: Innovations in Teaching Sustainable Consumption in Higher Education
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- AASHE (MA)
- Wageningen University
- University of Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- University of East Anglia
- University of Geneva
The goal of sustainability will not be achievable without changes in our consumption. In consumption, sustainability challenges appear like in a burning glass; here, it can be exemplarily shown how …
- Posted Sept. 22, 2022
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Constructing a Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy: Teacher Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.
- University of Oulu
The article demonstrates an action research approach for constructing Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy (TSP) to empower teachers for a sustainable future. The starting point for the TSP was a Transformative Education …
- Posted Aug. 9, 2022
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BS Biological Science
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
The CSUF Department of Biological Science is dedicated to educating the individual student using active-learning, inquiry-based educational approaches throughout its curriculum. The curriculum for biology majors provides a broad exposure …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2022
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BA Geography
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Geography students connect the study of human spatial organizations and cultural landscapes with an in-depth investigation of the earth's landforms, climates, and vegetation. The undergraduate program provides a broad study …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2022
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College of the Atlantic
- College of the Atlantic (ME)
At College of the Atlantic, education goes beyond understanding the world as it is to enabling students to actively shape the future. A leader in experiential learning and environmental stewardship, …
- Posted Aug. 2, 2022
- Photographs
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Greening Burundi Project launches with support from Cornell Climate Online Fellows
- Cornell University (NY)
Emmanuel Niyoyabikoze, right, founder of the Greening Burundi Project, enjoys planting a few trees – on his way to a million trees – with a few children in his social …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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The 51 Percent Project
- Boston University (MA)
The 51 Percent Project at Boston University is a data-driven communications initiative that identifies established peer-reviewed principles of climate change communication and makes them accessible to the general public. The …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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University of New Hampshire: B Impact Clinic
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
B Impact Clinic - Launched in 2019 by the University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute, the B Impact Clinic gathers teams of undergraduate students from different areas of study to …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Luke Terra Jorge Ramos talks about Jasper Ridge
- Stanford University (CA)
Luke Terra and Jorge Ramos talk about Jasper Ridge at the O'Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Studying while Social Distancing
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford students study outside at the Stanford campus
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Stanford commencement 2021
- Stanford University (CA)
Students at graduation ceremony
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
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Saint Joseph's College of Maine 2022 SCI
- Saint Joseph's College - ME (ME)
Leadership for Sustainable Communities - In 2021, Saint Joseph's College - ME committed to institution-wide transformation and asked faculty to consider all courses through the lens of "sustainable communities” and …
- Posted July 28, 2022
- Photographs
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Butler University Social Justice and Vocational Fellowship
- Butler University (IN)
Social Justice and Diversity Vocational Fellowship - The Social Justice and Diversity (SJD) Vocation Fellowship at Butler University is a collaboration between the Center for Faith and Vocation, the Social …
- Posted July 27, 2022
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Hands on Learning
- Luther College (IA)
Luther College Professor Molly McNicoll leads students in a hands-on learning class setting.
- Posted July 27, 2022
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Luther College Gateway Prairie
- Luther College (IA)
Gateway Prairie, a 39.3-acre prairie and oak savanna, a part of 90 acres of restored prairies at Luther College. Students are drawn to prairies for restoration activities, research and enjoyment.
- Posted July 25, 2022
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JCCC Students Work to Complete Tiny House Project
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
As a pathway toward institutional accreditation through the US Higher Learning Commission, Johnson County Community College developed and completed an Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP) focused on institution-wide sustainability in …
- Posted July 25, 2022
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Leveraging Strategic Partnerships to Advance Sustainability Education
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
- AASHE (MA)
What do we need to do to take sustainability education to the next level? How do we make sustainability learning ubiquitous in a university student’s learning journey while increasing an …
- Posted July 18, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Cli Fi, Sci Fi, and the Culture of Sustainability
- University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College (HI)
- AASHE (MA)
Climate fiction, or cli-fi, is a form of literature that features a changed/changing climate or global warming as a major plot device. Join this webinar for an overview of this …
- Posted July 3, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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MS in Sustainable Business
- University of Miami (FL)
In Miami Herbert’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Sustainable Business, our unique interdisciplinary team unites business, science, theory, and practice to provide a forward-thinking foundation for those focused on where …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Minor in Sustainable Business
- University of Miami (FL)
The minor in Sustainable Business is open to any University of Miami student. Interdisciplinary in nature, the Sustainable Business minor coursework provides students with an introduction to sustainability practices in …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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BS Geography and Sustainable Development
- University of Miami (FL)
The B.S. in Geography and Sustainable Development is a rigorous program that combines basic and advanced courses in geography and sustainable development with several courses in geospatial technology. Our students …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Minor in Ecological Restoration
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
The modern field of ecological restoration (ER) showcases the necessity and merits of interdisciplinary approaches to real-world problems. Effective restoration of complex ecosystems and their human interplay requires a fusion …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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BS Conservation & Restoration Science
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
The Bachelor of Science in Conservation & Restoration Science (CRS) prepares students to address real world issues. Conservation & Restoration Science students develop the depth of scientific understanding, interdisciplinary perspectives, …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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BS Earth System Science
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
The Bachelor of Science in Earth System Science (ESS) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how our planet is shaped through natural and human processes. Students explore the intersection of …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Environmental Studies Major
- University of Washington, Bothell (WA)
The Environmental Studies major is designed for students who want to act critically and creatively in response to the environmental challenges facing the world today.
Environmental Studies teaches students to …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Certificate of Advanced Study in Environment Health
- Syracuse University (NY)
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Environmental Health will provide students interested in careers in environmental health an opportunity to gain formal recognition for an academic specialization in this area. …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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MS Environmental Engineering
- Syracuse University (NY)
The M.S. in environmental engineering is intended for students with undergraduate engineering degrees. Additional coursework may be required for students without a BS in engineering or without adequate preparation.
Requirements …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Energy Systems Minor
- Syracuse University (NY)
This minor option will provide students enrolled within the College of Engineering and Computer Science with a grouping of courses/electives that will provide academic depth in the field of energy …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Environment, Sustainability, and Policy Major
- Syracuse University (NY)
Environment, Sustainability, and Policy Major is designed to introduce students to and ground them in the interdisciplinary study of environmental science, sustainability, and policy. These complex issues are shaped by …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Masters of Global Affairs - Sustainable Development Concentration
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Master of Global Affairs is a two-year professional degree to prepare students for leadership and careers in government, nongovernmental and civil society organizations and the private sector. The Sustainable …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences gives students opportunities to conduct innovative research in these areas while ensuring success for careers in industry, government, and …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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PhD in Biological Sciences - Ecology and Environmental Biology Area of Research
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The doctoral program in Biological Sciences encompases the broad scope of biological inquiry, while integrating several specific areas of study in biomedical sciences, global health, and ecology, evolution, and the …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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Resiliency and Sustainability of Engineering Systems Minor
- University of Notre Dame (IN)
The Resiliency and Sustainability of Engineering Systems minor is designed to prepare students of all disciplines to understand how their design decisions impact built and natural engineering systems. It prepares …
- Posted June 13, 2022
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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.