Sustainability courses provide an introduction, or a comprehensive exploration, of the concepts and principles of sustainability. Institutions that integrate sustainability concepts throughout the curriculum prepare students to apply sustainability principles in their professional fields. Having sustainability courses and content offered by numerous departments helps ensure that the institution’s approach to sustainability education is comprehensive and includes diverse topics. This helps students develop a broad understanding of the field. Likewise, offering sustainability course content in numerous departments can increase student exposure to sustainability topics and themes. As part of UMBC’s sustainability efforts and participation in AASHE STARS, the university conducts regular surveys of the courses (and research) to better understand how sustainability fits into UMBC’s pedagogy. Additionally, UMBC’s Sustainability Office and Climate Action Steering Committee are working to integrate the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our projects, programs, and engagements.
Methodology