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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Sustainability Major (BA)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
A major in sustainability requires a very broad training in the natural and social sciences and the humanities. There is also a minor in sustainability that often complements other majors.
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainability Minor
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
A major in sustainability requires a very broad training in the natural and social sciences and the humanities. There is also a minor in sustainability that often complements other majors.
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development
- Polytechnique Montréal (QC)
The objective of this program is to enable graduating students and practicing professionals to develop the skills required to conduct strategic and innovative eco-design projects. More specifically, the program aims …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainable Development Certificate
- Université Laval (QC)
This multidisciplinary program aims to develop skills that will enable students to make a tangible contribution to meeting this major social, economic and environmental challenge of meeting today's needs without …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Environment & Sustainable Development (Master’s)
- Université de Montréal (QC)
The Individualized Master's program in urban design aims to provide specific skills for responsible urban intervention in an increasingly complex and changing environment. With the proliferation of issues related to …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Renewable Energy Minor
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
This minor will provide students an opportunity to examine different sources of traditional and renewable energy simultaneously in the context of our total energy use using a systems perspective. Students …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainable Construction Minor
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
The objective of the minor is to provide a fundamental understanding of the concepts and methods used to take a design into the field and build a quality sustainable structure …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Renewable Energy Graduate Certificate
- University of South Florida (Tampa) (FL)
The Graduate Certificate program in Renewable Energy recognizes post-bachelor preparation for the engineering and design of modern renewable energy systems such as solar thermal, concentrated solar thermal (CSP), photovoltaic, etc. …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Graduate Certificate in Energy Conversion & Transport
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO)
Certificate is focused on energy production, fuels, and energy transportation. Possibly sustainability related through optional Fuel Cell course.
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Energy Studies Minor
- Yale University (CT)
Energy Studies is a multidisciplinary academic program (MAP) in Yale College. The curriculum is designed to provide selected undergraduates with the knowledge and skills needed for advanced studies, leadership, and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Alternative Energy Certificate
- College of Lake County (IL)
This certificate provides entry level technical instruction on wind, solar and geothermal energy sources. Courses in this certificate may also apply to certificates specific to solar, wind or geothermal energy …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Renewable Energy Certificate
- Santa Clara University (CA)
The main goal of this certificate is to introduce students to the field of renewable energy. The intent is to help equip professionals in Silicon Valley with the knowledge that …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Wind Energy (BS)
- Texas Tech University (TX)
Wind Energy is the premiere multidisciplinary program developing transformational experts who apply knowledge, skills, and conviction to lead in the advancement of sustainable renewable power solutions with positive regional, national, …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Building Science & Energy Management (AS)
- Western Technical College (WI)
This program facilitates students to make decisions incorporating the importance of sustainability in an area representing one of our country’s biggest energy consumers. Students examine the built environment and how …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Graduate Certificate in Development & Environmental Planning
- East Carolina University (NC)
The Development and Environmental Planning Certificate provides students with abilities to recognize natural and regulatory limitations on land development, analyze the impacts of land development on the natural environment, and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Conservation & Environmental Planning Major
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
The Conservation and Environmental Planning major focuses on the scientific, field-based management of our natural resources, including wildlife, water, soil, air, human developments and the interaction of these systems. The …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Urban Studies Minor - Environmental Sustainability Track
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary program of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students must complete 18 hours of credit to earn a minor. Course offering are drawn from multiple …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Risk & Community Resilience (Interdisciplinary MS)
- University of Alberta (AB)
This degree program examines different aspects of social-ecological relations, challenging us to think about how peoples, locally and globally, see and respond to changes in their environment including those associated …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Specialization in Planning, Urban & Regional Planning (BS)
- University of Alberta (AB)
The BSc Specialization program in Planning focuses on natural science elements of planning, including environmental management and the use of geographic information sciences. Students combine a core of planning courses …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Urban & Regional Planning (BA/BS)
- University of Alberta (AB)
Our programs educate students in both the art and science of planning, and feature 'hands on' labs and experiential learning through site visits and exploration of local planning issues. We …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainable Community Development Minor
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)
The program aims to familiarize students with the concept of sustainable development as applied to real world communities. Requirements include technical writing, service learning, and methods courses. The goal of …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Community Development (BA/BS)
- Portland State University (OR)
The first of its kind in the nation, our undergraduate program in Community Development prepares students for careers as leaders and change agents in addressing myriad social challenges. The Toulan …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainable Urban Development Minor
- Portland State University (OR)
The minor in Sustainable Urban Development will provide students with an opportunity to further their understanding in the important issues and challenges in making cities sustainable while providing a foundation …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Environmental Planning Minor
- Cal Poly Humboldt (CA)
Students completing this program will have demonstrated:the ability to apply science to understanding ecosystems and natural resources, the ability to understand the policy and social implications of environmental issues, the …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Urban Studies (BS)
- Stanford University (CA)
The Urban Studies program treats urbanism as an interdisciplinary field; it brings together students, faculty, and outside specialists concerned with cities and the impacts of cities on society and people's …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainable Smart Cities (Master's)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (AL)
UAB’s 2-year online master’s program in Sustainable Smart Cities will equip students with the knowledge and skills to help build the sustainable smart cities of the future.
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Environmental Design/Planning (PhD)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
This program is an individualized institute-wide interdisciplinary degree that integrates graduate courses and faculty research expertise with concentrations in design; health care and healing environments; history, theory and criticism; and …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Masters in Urban & Environmental Planning (MUEP)
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The master's degree program in urban and environmental planning offers a unique opportunity to integrate urban and environmental aspects of planning in a rapidly developing metropolitan area. Individual practical experience …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Urban Forestry Technician Certificate
- Fleming College (ON)
Students will learn how to care for urban trees and tree canopies, and gain a basic understanding of the landscape industry. As an Urban Forestry graduate, Students will be able …
- Posted April 12, 2018
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Sustainability: Designing Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Teaching
- Southern Methodist University (TX)
The Sustainability: Designing Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Teaching workbook is not just about sustainability, in and of itself. It is just a part of a larger sustainability process that: 1) illustrates …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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The Emergence of the Field of Sustainability Science: Influences on Faculty Behavior Related to Sustainability Work
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
This study investigates sustainability science as an emerging scientific field and the role of faculty members at higher education institutions as drivers of change in sustainability-science-based research, teaching, and community …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Assessing the Understanding, Awareness, and Concern for Climate Change across Undergraduate Faculties at Dalhousie University
- Dalhousie University (NS)
The research completed in this study evaluates the levels of understanding, awareness, and concern for climate change of current undergraduate students in Dalhousie University’s Faculties of Engineering, Science, Health Professions, …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Teaching Engineering Students about Cognitive Barriers during Design for Sustainable Infrastructure
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Sustainability is a complex socio-technical challenge that requires new ways of thinking. To help meet this challenge, I have created three case-based modules that teach engineering students how to apply …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Program Development at the Outback: Exploring Place-Based, Experiential Education through a Campus Farm
- Western Washington University (WA)
A unique component of place-based, design-focused, experiential education has been facilitating students as they explore a wide range of their own capabilities. Cataloging botanical names, handling tools and exploring novel …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Exploring the Interface of Marketisation and Education for Sustainable Development in English Higher Education
- Keele University
This thesis explores the ideological and the practical relationship between Marketisation and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in English higher education (HE) – focusing on the political-economic ideology of Neoliberalism …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Infusing Sustainability in Higher Education in Ireland: The Green Curriculum Model (GCM) and the Dispositions, Abilities and Behaviours (DAB) Competency Framework
- Dublin City University
There are numerous sustainability challenges facing the world today, including: climate change, pollution, consumerism and poverty. To make the world a more sustainable and better place to live in, humanity …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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How Academic Department Chairs View the Influence of Corporate Ethics Scandals on Ethics Education in Arizona Business Schools: A Qualitative Case Study at the Postsecondary Level
- Grand Canyon University (AZ)
The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore how department chairs described the influence of recent corporate ethics scandals on content and availability of ethics education in …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Education for Sustainable Development- Just do it: Guidelines for designing Education for Sustainable Development
- Wageningen University
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is focused on the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary in creating a sustainable future (UNESCO, 2005). Teachers are being asked to devote …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Business versus Sustainability: A qualitative study focused on Swedish business students’ perceptions of business sustainability and its relation to action competence as part of UN’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
- University of Gothenburg
Across the world it is recognized that businesses have to become more sustainable. Different sustainability initiatives have started to emerge in educational settings, but still few educators are able to …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Curriculum Design for Transformative Enterprise Education within the Context of Strategic Sustainable Development
- Blekinge Institute of Technology
There is a need for large-scale and coordinated leadership and innovation to transform society toward sustainability. Working from the Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD) approach, the authors investigated the potential of …
- Posted April 11, 2018
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Developing Campus Sustainability Plans in a Capstone Course
- Furman University (SC)
- AASHE (MA)
Sustainability education high impact practices emphasize the importance of project-based, applied learning experiences as well as collaborative learning. Higher education professionals also emphasize the importance of capstone signature experiences. Students …
- Posted April 5, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Promoting Sustainability Science on Campus: Renewable Energy Workshops Hosted at Kean University in New Jersey
- Kean University (NJ)
The project provides workshops for high school/college students and educators to learn the basics, application, and impacts of renewable energy through hands-on activities and software tools. The workshops cover many …
- Posted April 3, 2018
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Fall 2017 Immersive Learning: Brownfields to Brightfields
- Ball State University (IN)
With the support and facilitation of the Center for Energy Research/Education/Service (CERES) at Ball State University, a group of second year urban planning students in the College of Architecture and …
- Posted April 3, 2018
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Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Focused Curricula with AMS Climate Studies
- Coppin State University (MD)
- Second Nature (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- American Meteorological Society (DC)
The intention of this webinar is to highlight the important of studying climate science and global change topics and working toward a climate literate society. Presenters will inform participants about …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Students' Understanding of Sustainability and Climate Change across Linked Service-Learning Courses
- University of Vermont (VT)
College and university faculty are increasingly being called upon to teach about sustainability. Many of these faculty members are incorporating content related to climate change because climate change is arguably …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Student's learning processes for sustainable knowledge
- Uppsala University
The concept of sustainability has become one of today's most widely used and controversial concepts. It is therefore important to develop activities within all educational contexts in order to increase …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Shaping Students’ Attitudes towards Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Education Versus Personal Perspectives
- University of Perugia
Business ethics and corporate social responsibility education is typically considered one of the main determinants of executive attention to ethical decision making, commitment to stakeholder issues and corporate citizenship awareness. …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Regional planning, sustainability goals and the mitch-match between educational practice and climate, energy and business plans
- Roskilde University
While a number of studies have explored campus planning and higher education in the context of regional sustainable initiatives, little emphasis has been put into the analysis of education for …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Recapturing the learning opportunities of university sustainability indicators
- Tulane University (LA)
Reconfiguring student involvement in university sustainability assessments and reporting can create important learning opportunities. In the 1990s, students conducted campus environmental audits and assessments, which were often the first step …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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Green Healthcare, An Environmentally Sustainable Methodology: An investigation of the ecological impacts of the healthcare industry and the role of Green initiatives in sustainable medical services
- University of Southern California (CA)
This study has been conducted to develop theoretically informed practical knowledge about Green healthcare and to identify how the majority of medical facilities can reduce their carbon footprint effectively. Many …
- Posted March 29, 2018
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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.