Learn

Students can pursue sustainability education in diverse fields such as engineering, public policy, environment and natural resources, geography, sustainable agriculture and other programs.

The sustainability challenges facing communities locally and globally today underscore the need for interdisciplinary sustainability education that enables students to become informed citizens, engaged professionals and effective problem solvers. Sustainability education is an integral pillar of 21 st - century public, land grant, research and community-engaged institutions. Ohio State recognizes the importance of sustainability, including sustainability education, in its university-wide strategic sustainability goals.

CURRICULUM

Ohio State’s commitment to cultivating future sustainability leaders begins in the classroom, where we offer 74 undergraduate majors and minors and a variety of master’s and doctoral programs that identify one or more sustainability-related learning outcomes as well as over 1,245 courses that feature sustainability topics. The university delivers a curriculum that provides Ohio State students with opportunities to understand sustainability holistically, framed by the environment, science, technology, society, the economy, history, culture and politics.

New sustainability academic programs.

New sustainability course offerings.

Existing sustainability academic programs and course offerings (via university survey submissions).

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

The Sustainability Education and Learning Committee (SELC), facilitated by the Sustainability Institute, provides a platform for faculty and academic units to develop a comprehensive and coordinated approach to interdisciplinary sustainability education programs for undergraduate and graduate students. In 2019, SELC established a framework for undergraduate sustainability education at Ohio State, strengthening existing academic programs and identifying opportunities for new ones. The group is currently providing guidance on the sustainability theme that is part of the university’s revised General Education requirements and developing tools to support new or expanded academic program opportunities for students. For more information, contact Gina Jaquet, director of sustainability education and learning.

ADDRESSING THE ENERGY TRANSITION

For students interested in learning about the energy industry, with a focus on transitioning energy generation to renewable and alternative sources, Ohio State offers multiple programs for advanced study and hands-on opportunities.

Based on the success of the Ohio State EmPOWERment Program, which provided interdisciplinary training for over 40 doctoral students to address the challenges facing sustainable energy development, the university is continuing programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization (GIS) in Data-driven Sustainable Energy Systems provides graduate students with interdisciplinary training in energy-system modeling, data science, energy policy, business, law, social and behavioral sciences and technologies.

The Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy has established a Student Community of Practice and Engagement (SCOPE) centered on providing interdisciplinary teams of students opportunities to develop sustainable energy solutions, bridging the gap between research and practical applications.