| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.02 |
| Liaison | Christine Bruckner |
| Submission Date | Jan. 24, 2025 |
Illinois State University
AC-2: Undergraduate Programs
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.30 / 11.00 |
Christine
Bruckner Assistant Director Office of Sustainability |
2.1 Institutional sustainability learning outcomes for undergraduate students
Online resource detailing the institutional learning outcomes for undergraduate students:
Publication detailing the institutional learning outcomes for undergraduate students:
Are one or more of the institutional learning outcomes for undergraduate students sustainability-focused?:
Text of each institutional learning outcome for undergraduate students that qualifies as sustainability-focused:
Are one or more of the institutional learning outcomes for undergraduate students sustainability-supportive?:
Text of each institutional learning outcome for undergraduate students that qualifies as sustainability-supportive:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calcuate the following figure:
2.2 Undergraduate programs with sustainability-focused learning requirements
List and description of the institution’s sustainability-focused degrees, certificates, and majors for undergraduate students:
Major in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
The Major in Sustainable and Renewable Energy is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers in renewable energy and related industries, including wind energy, solar power, biofuels, and energy management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of energy management concepts and the roles played by renewable resources. Students will develop expertise in an interdisciplinary core of subjects fundamental to renewable energy as well as more in-depth studies in a related minor.
Major in ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Environmental Systems Science and Sustainability degree is an interdisciplinary program that will involve faculty members from a dozen departments and schools within the University. The curriculum builds on existing academic programs including minors in environmental studies and business environment and sustainability, and majors in renewable energy and health sciences. The program will include required courses in physical sciences and will feature four curricular tracks: generalist, water resources, environmental systems analysis, and nature and society.
Major in Environmental Health and Sustainability
Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) specialists identify and resolve problems that occur when humans interact with their environment. Some of these environmental problems include indoor and outdoor air pollution, water pollution, food contamination, hazardous wastes, insect-borne diseases, occupational hazards, and chemical or biological terrorism. EHS specialists identify, implement, and evaluate the best methods of controlling or preventing these problems. Employment opportunities include private consulting firms; industry; non-profit organizations; and local, state, or federal agencies. The Environmental Health and Sustainability program is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council.
Major in Biological Sciences - CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Biological Sciences majors selecting this sequence will receive broad training in conservation biology. This sequence is designed for students seeking careers in the conservation of natural ecosystems and their organisms (all levels of biodiversity). The coursework will also prepare students for graduate studies in conservation biology, and for internships and entry-level positions in conservation-oriented non-governmental organizations, state and federal government organizations, and environmental consulting firms.
Does the institution offer at least one sustainability-focused concentration or minor for undergraduate students?:
List and description of the institution’s sustainability-focused concentrations and minors for undergraduate students:
Minor in Environmental Studies
The Minor in Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary program that is available to students in any undergraduate major. The mission of the Environmental Studies Minor Program is to increase awareness of the interrelationships that exist between humans and the natural environment. Students will broaden their understanding of environmental issues as well as connections between human-made and natural environments. Knowledge and skills acquired through the program will help prepare students for further academic studies or for an environment-related career.
Minor in Environmental Health and Sustainability
Environmental health and sustainability professionals ensure there is safe food, water, and air, as well as safe places to live and work. Students in the minor will study the various biological, chemical, and physical hazards that threaten our planet and people and develop solutions to help prevent or reduce damage to the environment and human health.
Minor in Business Environment and Sustainability
The minor in Business Environment & Sustainability builds students’ awareness and knowledge of the relationships between business and the physical environment. This minor prepares students for careers in organizational leadership, corporate social responsibility, risk management, environmental sustainability, and other sustainability-related areas.
Minor in Water Sustainability
A Water Sustainability Studies minor provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on a critical and necessary global resource that impacts every aspect of our lives: water. Sustainable water management has profound implications for a variety of anthropocentric sectors, including agriculture and food security, energy, economic development, public health, and ecosystem services. Additionally, how we interact with water affects the health of other species, ecological communities, and entire ecosystems. As a result, this minor complements many major fields of study.
Does the institution offer at least one undergraduate qualification focused on a subject other than sustainability that has a sustainability-focused learning requirement?:
List and description of the institution’s undergraduate qualifications focused on subjects other than sustainability that have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
Minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility
This interdisciplinary minor prepares students to enact social change and to develop an awareness of personal social responsibility that includes active engagement in their communities. Students in the minor collaborate with community partners to create a more just and equitable world. The minor gives students opportunities to sharpen their analysis of social issues, practice public problem solving skills, reflect on civic engagement experiences with an appreciation for individual and community strengths, and enact a commitment to ethical civic action. The minor is open to students of any ideological viewpoint and can be matched with any major to broaden their learning experience and career perspectives.
Minor in Food Studies
The Food Studies minor at Illinois State helps students understand the biological, cultural, environmental, philosophical, and political aspects of food and food systems. This interdisciplinary field prepares students for food-related jobs in education, health sciences, government, the non-profit and advocacy sectors, and the food industry. Food Studies gives students the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of courses. From agriculture to nutrition, this minor is tailored to each student to provide a unique experience for everyone. Learn about the food industry from every angle possible.
Minor in Urban Studies
The program is designed for students who wish to learn about urban places from a social science perspective, although the minor will also benefit those with majors in the arts and humanities, business, education, social services, technology, design, and other fields. This program will provide a foundation, especially to those who wish to pursue careers in urban-related areas such as public administration, planning, design, preservation, public history, the environment, community development, and social services or to those who wish to pursue graduate study in these areas. The program’s features include required coursework in urban geography, history, political science, and sociology or anthropology. Students may choose from a range of elective courses, independent study with urban studies faculty, and an optional internship.
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
2.3 Percentage of undergraduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements
Total number of undergraduate qualifications awarded:
Number of undergraduate qualifications awarded that are sustainability-focused:
Number of undergraduate qualifications awarded that are focused on subjects other than sustainability but have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following three figures:
Percentage of undergraduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
Points earned for indicator AC 2.3:
Optional documentation
Programs were identified through the University Catalog and descriptions were compiled from the catalog and program websites.
Additional documentation for this credit:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.