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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Decision making under the environmental perspective: Choosing between traditional and distance teaching courses
- Universidade Paulista
Over the last 30 years, distance learning has rapidly spread in developed countries, and to niche markets in developing countries. In Brazil, approximately 5 million people are currently either achieving …
- Posted Feb. 20, 2018
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Comparative analyses of sustainable campuses as living laboratories for managing environmental quality
- Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Despite an emerging trend in the higher education sector toward sustainable campuses, comparative analyses that span multiple themes across multiple campuses are still limited. The purpose of this paper is …
- Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Climate change and higher education: Assessing factors that affect curriculum requirements
- Vanderbilt University (TN)
Pervasive misinformation about climate change might be reduced if colleges were to include the topic within general education curriculum. This paper analyzes the general education (or “core”) curriculum in the …
- Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability: The Chemistry Connection
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
In the undergraduate curriculum, chemistry and sustainability connect easily and well. Topics in chemistry provide instructors with opportunities to engage students in learning about sustainability; similarly, topics in sustainability provide …
- Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Avoid, Control, Succumb, or Balance: Engineering Students’ Approaches to a Wicked Sustainability Problem
- Chalmers University of Technology
- University of Gothenburg
Wicked sustainability problems (WSPs) are an important and particularly challenging type of problem. Science and engineering education can play an important role in preparing students to deal with such problems, …
- Posted Feb. 12, 2018
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Assessing sustainability in higher education curricula: A critical reflection on validity issues
- University of Victoria (BC)
- KU Leuven
- Open University of the Netherlands
While curricular assessments can give insight as to the extent sustainability is integrated into higher education study programs, issues remain regarding how assessments are conducted. Previous research has identified and …
- Posted Feb. 8, 2018
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Analysis of Green Campus Initiatives Led by Voluntary Participants of University Students
- Korean Association for Green Campus Initiative (Seoul)
Purpose: Since 2010, many universities in Korea have been implementing Green Leader Training Programs which are usually run by students themselves. In the last five years of 2015, the Green …
- Posted Feb. 8, 2018
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An Investigation of University Students' Attitudes Toward Environmental Sustainability
The adoption of pro-environmental behavior is critical to reduce negative environmental impacts and move toward a more sustainable future. The role of higher education in training professionals to protect the …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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A proposal of a Balanced Scorecard for an environmental education program at universities
- Université de l'État de Santa Catarina
By developing and implementing environmental concerns in its principles and infrastructure, universities are becoming increasingly active in promoting societal changes towards sustainable development. These environmental concerns are translated into comprehensive …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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A Competency Model for Management Education for Sustainability
Management education needs transformation to avoid socio-economic volatility in this globalised world and to deal with the crises of responsibility and sustainability. Despite rising demand and increasing popularity, management education …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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(Re-)designing higher education curricula in times of systemic dysfunction: a responsible research and innovation perspective
- Wageningen University
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
- Queen's University Belfast
There is an urgent need to address the grand sustainability challenges of our time, and to explore new and more responsible ways of operating, researching, and innovating that enable society …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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Integrating Sustainability Philosophy into Business Curriculum
- St. Thomas University (FL)
- Westcliff University (CA)
This paper examines the status of sustainability integration in business schools and colleges as part of business education and training - curriculum. The authors argue that there is a need …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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‘The learning sticks’: reflections on a case study of role-playing for sustainability
- RMIT University
Use of role-plays to develop deep student-learning has many advocates. Role-play is a powerful approach for learning that develops relevant skills in a range of disciplines and situations. In Higher …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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Sustainable Development: Educating With Purpose
- International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) (MA)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY “Sustainable Development: Educating with Purpose” is the focus of this year’s ISCNGULF report. In an increasingly fractured world, the Sustainable Development Goals are an instrument for solidarity. Their …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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Summer REU in Urban Ecology and the Environment
- 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 Feb. 5, 2018
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Fostering Sustainability by Management Education
This book presents insights and solutions for more effectively integrating corporate social responsibility into management education. Authors critically review this multifaceted process in a variety of countries. The book is …
- Posted Feb. 5, 2018
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Preparing Sustainability-Literate Teachers
- Western Washington University (WA)
Background/Context: This article explores sustainability as an emerging paradigm for preservice preparation of teachers. Sustainability education, which is rooted in Deweyan ideas about the fundamental social purposes of schooling, …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Essential Elements of Sustainability in Teacher Education
- Madonna University (MI)
- University of Michigan (MI)
- Creative Change Educational Solutions (MI)
This article focuses on defining the proficiencies new teachers need in order to be able to lead in educating for sustainability (EfS). Educating for sustainability involves teaching and learning collective …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Vignette question design for the assessment of graduate sustainability learning outcomes
- RMIT University
The development of university wide graduate attributes has become an important mechanism for setting generic learning outcomes across higher education institutions. Many universities around the world have developed sets of …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Food Systems minor
- Wells College (NY)
This minor investigates the challenges of the current global food system. With a focus on the cultural meanings of food, and the social and physical conditions under which we grow …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainability Minor
- Wells College (NY)
The minor in Sustainability examines the interplay among the environmental, social, and economic forces involved in addressing the challenges to a sustainable future.
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Science Bachelor
- Wells College (NY)
As an environmental science major, students will study the earth, its ecosystems, environmental challenges and environmental problem-solving. Students will work closely with top professors who bring extensive environmental research experience …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainability Bachelor
- Wells College (NY)
This major recognizes the environment as a physical, social, cultural and psychological construct that is threatened by many forms of human activity. It further recognizes that humanity can make a …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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MS in Sustainable Natural Resource Management
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
This online master’s degree in Sustainable Natural Resource Management uses a transdisciplinary process for understanding and managing the natural world. Important factors impacting natural communities include climate change and habitat …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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MS in Sustainability Science
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
Sustainability science is a problem-based, solution-oriented framework for creating a resilient civilization. The framework combines technical sustainability with skills based in the social sciences and humanities to create effective change …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Ecology Minor
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
The ecology minor is intended to compliment other environmental majors and help students develop the skills to use ecological science to address a wide range of environmental issues.
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Interpretation & Education Minor
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
The environmental interpretation and education minor offers students the opportunity to explore the fields of formal and non-informal learning environments, how people learn, the needs of diverse audiences and the …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Forest Management Minor
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
The Sustainable Forest Management minor offers students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to measure and assess forest and other natural resources in order to understand the ecology …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Policy, Law, and Society (BS)
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
The Environmental Policy, Law, and Society program is designed to give students tools and knowledge needed to improve the environmental health of both humans and the natural world through wise …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Energy Management (BS)
- Unity Environmental University (ME)
This program allows students to develop their talents and skills as applied scientists, entrepreneurs, business managers, and planners in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related responses to …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainability Program
- St. Lawrence University (NY)
The Sustainability Program is a living-learning community at SLU’s Sustainability Farm, where you will live with other students committed to creating a more sustainable world. Students will live and work …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Conservation Biology
- St. Lawrence University (NY)
Conservation Biology majors 1) gain knowledge about fundamental principles important to the conservation of global biodiversity, 2) learn the particular methods associated with biodiversity conservation, 3) develop an appreciation for …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Environmental Studies (BA)
- St. Lawrence University (NY)
Environmental Studies stand alone major (B.A.) is for students who wish to concentrate their efforts in environmental studies. This major is tailored to individual interests and emphasizes depth in selected …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Green Real Estate Certificate
- North Seattle College (WA)
A recent study conducted by GreenWorks Realty showed that green homes in King County sold more quickly and for more money during 2007-08 than their non-green counterparts. No wonder then …
- Posted Jan. 25, 2018
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Sustainable Living and Learning: A Learning Community for First-Year Students
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)
First-year students have the opportunity to participate in a special, two-semester long Learning Community that will investigate the intersection of sustainability and consumption with a particular emphasis on the relationship …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2018
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Sustainable Development Minor
- Lehigh University (PA)
The minor in SDEV consists of a minimum of at least 15 hours of study that includes a combination of core courses and approved electives. To declare a minor in …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Environmental Studies Minor
- Gonzaga University (WA)
The Environmental Studies Program connects science with study of the historical, social, ethical, legal and political issues that affect our natural world and how we interact with it. The Minor …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Environmental Studies (BA)
- Lehigh University (PA)
The Environmental Studies BA program examines the cultural, economic, historical, communication, political and social factors that influence local, national, international and global environmental issues and policies. Investigating a wide range …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Environmental Studies Bachelor
- Gonzaga University (WA)
The Environmental Studies Department offers 39-credit major with the introductory interdisciplinary course, ENVS 101, which builds cohesion and a sense of community for the major. Students take five additional “ENVS …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Environmental Studies Bachelor
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)
Earth’s environment is maintained through complex feedback mechanisms which, over geologic time, have created an environment replete with myriad life forms and incredible biological, geological, and cultural diversity. Humans have …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2018
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Infusing Sustainability Principles and Practices into Study Abroad
- Concordia College-Moorhead (MN)
- Delta College (MI)
- Lawrence University (WI)
- AASHE (MA)
As colleges and universities simultaneously promote both sustainability and study abroad, it is vitally important to ensure that these initiatives are working in harmony. Infusing sustainability principles and practices into …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2018
- Videos & Webinars
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Marine Science (MS)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
The Department of Marine Sciences provides teaching and research in estuarine, coastal, and oceanographic sciences leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in marine sciences. The two elements of the program …
- Posted Jan. 17, 2018
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Ecology (MA)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
The Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology is a multidisciplinary, degree-granting program that seeks to foster an understanding and appreciation of ecological systems and to demonstrate the value of ecological …
- Posted Jan. 17, 2018
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Ecology (MS)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
The Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology is a multidisciplinary, degree-granting program that seeks to foster an understanding and appreciation of ecological systems and to demonstrate the value of ecological …
- Posted Jan. 17, 2018
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Minor in Environmental Science and Studies
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
The minor is designed for students wishing to remain in another discipline but having an interest in the environment as an area of application. Students in the minor in environmental …
- Posted Jan. 17, 2018
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Implementing a Sustainability Internship Program at Siena Heights University
- Siena Heights University (MI)
Michigan is experiencing numerous environmental health threats, and the SHU Sustainability Internship Program was created to engage students to address environmental challenges. Using the AASHE Guide to Creating & Managing …
- Posted Jan. 3, 2018
- Case Studies
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Towards a Theory-Based Framework for Assessing the Mainstreaming of Education for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Teacher Education Institutions in Botswana
This article presents the development of a theory-based framework for exploring the ways in which different teacher education institutions in Botswana have worked towards the infusion of education for sustainable …
- Posted Dec. 22, 2017
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Rogative Learning in Education for Sustainable Development: Environment, Human Rights and Democracy
- University of Gothenburg
The question underlying the investigation in this paper is how within a context of education for sustainable development it is possible to learn about the environment, human rights and democracy …
- Posted Dec. 22, 2017
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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 Dec. 22, 2017
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Adoption of sustainable development reporting by universities: An analysis of French first-time reporters
- National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts
The purpose of this paper is to study the issuance of sustainable development reports by French universities, based on two dimensions proposed by Ansari et al. (2010): extensiveness and fidelity.Three …
- Posted Dec. 22, 2017
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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.