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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Environmental Studies Minor
- Wilfrid Laurier University (ON)
The Environmental Studies Minor allows students an opportunity to learn the foundations of Environmental Studies focusing on sustainability and environmental management.
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
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Applied Water Science (Honours BSc)
- Wilfrid Laurier University (ON)
The BSc in Applied Water Science will train students in not only the underlying scientific principles and theory pertaining to the physical, chemical and biological properties of water, but it …
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
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Environmental Studies (Honours BA)
- Wilfrid Laurier University (ON)
Environmental Studies combines natural and social sciences to better understand the human relationship with the natural environment. The focus of the program is issues such as sustainability in management of …
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
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Sustainability Certificate
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
The “certificate in sustainability” exposes students to various disciplines, forms of knowledge, and skill sets important to a broad understanding of issues important to the emergent field and movement called …
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
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Sustainability Minor
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
The Sustainability undergraduate minor has a 22-26 credit hour requirement. Required courses include the gateway course to the sustainability program: Humans and the Earth, an transdisciplinary learning experience with three …
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
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Environmental Science (BS)
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
Baldwin Wallace’s environmental science major is an interdisciplinary study of biology, chemistry and geology. It combines rigorous coursework with extensive research and field experiences. A capstone course integrates studies and …
- Posted Dec. 23, 2019
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Reflective Practices in Sustainability Education
- Saint Joseph's College - ME (ME)
The more we learn about the climate crisis and its far-reaching impacts, the harder they become to negotiate. Learners of all ages express anxiety and fear about circumstances beyond their …
- Posted Dec. 12, 2019
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A Climate Change Module for Introduction to Sociology Classes
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
Best selling Introduction to Sociology textbooks typically cover climate change only briefly and only very late in the semester. This module is designed to aid sociology faculty in adding a …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Atmospheric Sciences (MS)
- University of Houston (TX)
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in atmospheric sciences. Students seeking M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in atmospheric sciences are required …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Atmospheric Sciences (PhD)
- University of Houston (TX)
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in atmospheric sciences. Students seeking M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in atmospheric sciences are required …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Atmospheric Science Minor
- University of Houston (TX)
This minor offers a scientific complement to other sustainability-related majors. Students complete courses in: global climate change, atmospheric science, and meteorology.
Required Courses:
GEOL 1302 - Introduction to Global Climate …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Environmental Design (BS)
- University of Houston (TX)
The Bachelor of Science in environmental design follows many of the degree plans of architecture degrees with less of an emphasis on professional practice and more on an emphasis on …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Earth Science (BA)
- University of Houston (TX)
The Department of Geosciences offers three undergraduate degrees. There is significant overlap in the two Bachelor of Science degree programs and the beginning courses for majors in geology and geophysics …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Geophysics (BS)
- University of Houston (TX)
The Department of Geosciences offers three undergraduate degrees. There is significant overlap in the two Bachelor of Science degree programs and the beginning courses for majors in geology and geophysics …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Geology (BS)
- University of Houston (TX)
The Department of Geosciences offers three undergraduate degrees. There is significant overlap in the two Bachelor of Science degree programs and the beginning courses for majors in geology and geophysics …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Environmental Science (BS)
- University of Houston (TX)
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at the University of Houston addresses fundamental questions in the Earth and planetary sciences. The University of Houston's research refines the understanding …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Sustainable Energy Studies Minor
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Continuing growth in fossil fuel energy consumption is not sustainable into the indefinite future and a transition to an economy based on renewable energy technologies such as hydroelectric, solar, and …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Hydrogeology Minor
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Interdisciplinary, quantitative science encompassing aspects of geology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Study of the occurrence, distribution, and transport of groundwater, its natural chemical evolution, and the behavior of contaminants in …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Environmental Earth Science Concentration, Liberal Studies Major
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
The Liberal Studies major at Eastern is offered exclusively to students who are preparing to become elementary or early childhood educators. Students may complete the undergraduate education program or enroll …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Environmental Health Science Minor
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Explores the interrelationship between human health and the environment. The interplay of human activities, natural earth processes, and ecological processes influences both human health and the quality of the environment. …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Earth Science Minor
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Environmental Earth Science (EES) students receive a foundation in environmental geoscience that draws upon classroom, online, laboratory and field-based experiences. Students develop an understanding of the natural world, its materials, …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Environmental Earth Science Major
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Environmental Earth Science (EES) students receive a foundation in environmental geoscience that draws upon classroom, online, laboratory and field-based experiences. Students develop an understanding of the natural world, its materials, …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Chemistry PhD
- Monash University (VIC)
We, the School of Chemistry at Monash University, gives our students a systemic Green Chemistry overview, a comprehensive sequence is introduced throughout the entire undergraduate curriculum at Monash University. A …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Chemistry BS
- Monash University (VIC)
We, the School of Chemistry at Monash University, gives our students a systemic Green Chemistry overview, a comprehensive sequence is introduced throughout the entire undergraduate curriculum at Monash University. A …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Industrial Chemistry BS
- Beyond Benign (MA)
- First Technical University
In tandem with the vision of the University, ”to be a world-class institution that is fully grounded in entrepreneurial practices, unique innovation, sustainability science and commitment to international best practices”, …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
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Sulitest: Co-creating the Next Set of Questions for US
- U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
Sulitest is a movement whose mission is to support expanded sustainability knowledge, skills and mindset that motivates individuals to become deeply committed to building a sustainable future and to make …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Climate Anxiety, Environmental Grief, and Pretraumatic Stress on Campus and in the College Classroom
- University of Hawaii System Office (HI)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
Emerging research in higher education shows that students carry an emotional response of fear, anger, frustration, and sadness. Campus environments and college personnel, including faculty, can learn strategies to acknowledge …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Implementing Composting at Eureka College: Challenges and Successes of Small Campus Composting
- Eureka College (IL)
Composting systems are slowly becoming a common addition to college and university dining halls and facilities operations across the country, yet smaller campuses with fewer resources face unique challenges in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Waste Reduction - Connecting the Student Experience, Academics, and Sustainability
- Wayne State University (MI)
Wayne State University embarked upon an expansive campus-wide waste reduction program to support the goals of the Strategic Plan and Sustainability Plan. These planning documents call for increased operational efficiency …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Solar-Powered Automatic Composter: Students Combine Engineering, Science and Community Engagement
- University of Houston - Downtown (TX)
The University of Houston-Downtown's Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability (CUAS) has a number of student initiatives focused at creating future sustainability leaders. One area of focus is to foster …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Improving Health in the Built Environment Through a Class-Based Approach to Chemicals of Concern
- Harvard University (MA)
- Center for Environmental Health
This panel introduces purchasers (and manufacturers) to the targeted chemical class-based approach to help provide clarity grounded in science about how to avoid the most common chemicals of concern in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Empowering Students and the Community Through Green Chemistry and Sustainable Science Outreach
- Beyond Benign (MA)
- State of Washington (WA)
Sustainable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) outreach can have a significant impact on youth, empowering students to be problem-solvers and engage in their communities as change makers, and inspiring …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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From Zero Energy to Energy+: Community-University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainable Housing
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
From community design charrettes to international student design competitions, two housing research organizations at Penn State have collaborated with local affordable housing organizations and home builders to address long-term housing …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The VCU Pocket Park: Creating a sustainability-oriented green space on a dynamic university campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a growing, changing university in the heart of the city of Richmond, VA. Green space is limited on this dense urban campus. The VCU Office …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Solar Energy Systems: Site Assessment of Eureka College
- Eureka College (IL)
Students in the Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors at Eureka College are required to complete both an internship for college credit and a capstone course to earn their degree. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Energizing a Growing Urban Campus: Taking Data to Implement Energy Savings & Sustainability at UW Tacoma
- University of Washington, Tacoma (WA)
- McKinstry (WA)
How do you take conventional building system surveys, upgrades and sub-metering data to the next level: comprehensive energy savings and genuine campus sustainability? How can you empower meaningful sustainability stewardship …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin: Two Ways of Making Things Right
- Bemidji State University (MN)
Named for an Ojibwe phrase which translates to 'two ways of making things right,' Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin draws from Bemidji State University's (BSU) Sustainability Office, Department of Languages and Indigenous Studies, Department …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Why Is It So Darn Hard to Change!
- Winthrop University (SC)
On top of his or her academic studies, thousands of issues bombard students asking them to be concerned about every issue from social inequalities to environmental crisis to political and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Academic Language for Sustainability Economy
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
Co-creating the sustainability economy depends on the ability of up and coming generations to grasp opportunities to successfully address sustainability issues confronting our world. An authentic teacher preparation program features …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Sustainability Learning Outcomes: Are You Writing Them?
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
For one reason or another, course syllabi at many colleges and universities now must include Learning Outcomes (LOs). Has your institution written a set of LOs for sustainability-focused or sustainability-related …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Teaching Water Sustainability Through Regional and Global Studies at the University of Pittsburgh
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
The poster exhibits a multidisciplinary approach to understanding water equity and sustainability in the understudied region of Central Eurasia. The effort is led by faculty from the University of Pittsburgh, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Basic Sustainability Co-Curricular Course
- Universidad de Monterrey
In Latin-American countries, and specifically in Mexico I have noticed students lack sustainability literacy, and always think sustainability is about planting trees and recycling. One of the goals of the …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Problem Solving Approach to Teaching Sustainability Studies
- Muhlenberg College (PA)
There has been a recent proliferation in the number of undergraduate and graduate programs in sustainability-related areas. Many of them have capstone experiences. Here I describe a culminating capstone experience …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Evaluating knowledge and awareness of 'Sustainability' initiatives among college students
- Lamar University (TX)
This study assesses college students' knowledge and awareness of sustainability issues. Upon the approval of an IRB, data was collected using the Campus Sustainability questionnaire. Students from a university in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Freshman Engineering Students see Value in Sustainability-themed Project-based Learning
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
Engineers are required to evaluate the economic, policy, environmental, and social implications of their work in order to promote sustainability in design and manufacturing. Traditionally, university training in problem solving …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Seeing Sustainability Through Indigenous Eyes: Collaborative Cross-Cultural Teaching and Learning
- George Mason University (VA)
This presentation will showcase a field course offered by George Mason University in collaboration with the Maijuna indigenous group of the Peruvian Amazon. The authors worked with the Maijuna to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Triple Dip of Teaching: Sprinkling Ben & Jerry's Social Justice Accomplishments into your Curriculum
- Fort Hays State University (IL)
Deliverables from this session include FREE teaching resources (modules, teaching notes, video links) to supplement your existing sustainability curriculum. Learn about the CSR innovations pioneered by Ben & Jerry's Ice …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Sustainability Across the Curriculum: History, Status & Best Practices From a National Inventory
- Dickinson College (PA)
Curricular innovations for sustainability have been at the heart of the AASHE network since its inception, and these programs continue to exhibit high value through the AASHE STARS reporting tool. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Mapping the Food Systems Major: A Qualitative Approach to Curriculum Mapping
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
Do you want to make curriculum mapping a more meaningful process? This session will describe a qualitative curriculum mapping approach used to review core courses in the University of Minnesota's …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Transdisciplinary Education for Employability, Sustainability, and Democracy
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
With continued development of artificial intelligence and robotics, increasing technological displacement of human labor is a concern for, not only low-skilled laborers who complete routine tasks, but professionals whose thinking …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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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.