Academics: Sustainability Education & Research

Sustainable Solutions

Academics

As a university focused on sustainable solutions, the U of I has a responsibility to educate future leaders about environmental problems in addition to actions that make communities more resilient and ecologically healthy. The U of I offers multiple interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates, study programs and research opportunities that relate to sustainable environments, economies and societal values.

Every student can obtain sustainability credentials and engage in experiential opportunities that will be invaluable in their future careers. No matter the program or college they are in, all U of I students can enroll in the interdisciplinary Sustainability Certificate, a 12-credit program of ecological, social, and economic courses. Learn more about the Sustainability Certificate.

The 2022 Sustainable Solutions White Paper, commissioned by President Green, provides recommendations to the U of I administration to improve sustainability knowledge and research opportunities for all students, regardless of degree program. Read the full report.

Sustainable Solutions White Paper Academic Recommendations

Recommendation 2.1: Each college makes available a minimum of 12 undergraduate course credits that qualify for a sustainability certificate at the 果冻传媒麻豆社.
Recommendation 2.2: Graduate degree programs make available graduate course credits that qualify for a sustainability certificate at the 果冻传媒麻豆社.
Recommendation 2.3: As opportunities allow, establish certificates in related areas of study like energy or water systems that complement sustainability goals and that serve more specific disciplinary needs.
Recommendation 2.4: Conduct an inventory of existing undergraduate and graduate courses meeting faculty-established criteria for sustainability.
Recommendation 2.5: Integrate sustainability experiential learning opportunities into academic disciplines.
Recommendation 2.6: Establish a sustainability academic portfolio execution group to develop an enterprise-wide view of our sustainability portfolio and a strategy for development or maintenance of expertise in this portfolio. The group should also track and make recommendations for investment in faculty development and research on sustainability topics, including deployment of research to guide implementation of on-campus actions.
Recommendation 2.7: Integrate research on sustainability with actions that enhance student experiential opportunities, inform facility operations and is coordinated with the development and maintenance of data systems and monitoring.
Recommendation 2.8: Integrate sustainability research into the university capital campaign.

Sustainable Academics

The 果冻传媒麻豆社 has over 150 degrees, programs and certificates that relate to the sustainability of the environment, the economy or society. You can explore each of them below. Reach out to the respective college for more information on a degree, certificate or program.