Academics
Educating the next generation of sustainability leaders
UConn incorporates sustainability into its educational endeavors at every level. A university-wide environmental literacy requirement for undergraduates ensures that students gain a better understanding of the importance of sustainability and how they can engage with environmental issues in their field of study. UConn also offers a broad array of sustainability-related undergraduate majors, graduate degree programs, and professional certificates, reflecting the University's belief that preparing students to address pressing societal changes requires fluency in environmental- and sustainability-focused thinking across all disciplines.
Sustainability Frameworks
UConn's approach to sustainability is recognized by the University's performance in the AASHE STARS Academics category, in which UConn scored a 98.8% (2024). The University's academic excellence also advances two key UN SDG targets under Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). Together, these frameworks underscore UConn's commitment to preparing students not just with expertise in their fields, but with the cross-cutting environmental and sustainability fluency needed to address pressing climate challenges across many fields.
Academics (AC)
Curriculum credits
Undergraduate Students
UConn offers undergraduate students a wide range of sustainability-related majors, minors, and learning opportunities across a range of fields, including environmental science, ecology, landscape architecture, natural resources, engineering and more. In alliance with sustainability frameworks, sustainability literacy is interwoven with requirements through the Environmental Literacy (E) course requirement for all undergraduates, ensuring that engagement with environmental action is not limited to any one discipline.
Environmental Literacy (E) Course Requirement
In 2019, UConn implemented an environmental literacy general education requirement as part of all undergraduate students' general course responsibilities. The environmental literacy, or 'E' courses, ensure that students engage with environmental and sustainability issues and topics within their chosen field of study. All undergraduate students are required to pass at least one three-credit Environmental Literacy course, all of which include sustainability learning outcomes. Use the Class Search webpage tool to view the current semester E course offerings.
Majors & Minors
UConn offers a broad range of undergraduate majors and minors across several of the University's schools and colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR), and the College of Engineering (COE). Popular majors include Environmental Science/Studies, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Engineering, Marine Sciences, and many more! Many of these majors are also available as minors, but beyond that, there are a variety of unique minors available, such as Environmental Economics and Policy, Social Responsibility and Impact in Business, and more.
Educational Engagement
Outside the classroom, there are many opportunities to get involved in environmental action and sustainability on campus. The Office of Sustainability organizes a range of educational engagement events, including campus-wide sustainability competitions (EcoMadness), networking events (Green Careers Panel), and UConn's favorite Halloween tradition, the Haunted HEEP trail walk. The OS also offers several internships for students interested in promoting a more sustainable campus.
Graduate Students
Graduate students at UConn can pursue sustainability-focused programs across a wide range of disciplines at both the master's and doctoral levels. Professionally oriented programs, such as the Master's of Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM) and the Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management (SEPM) certificate offer more applied pathways for those looking to translate environmental knowledge into careers in policy, planning, and resource management.
Master's of Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM) - Online
The Master's of Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM) program is an online graduate program offered by the University of Connecticut. The course requires 30 total credits, including 27 coursework credits and 3 credits of internship/practical experience. The MEEM program combines multi-disciplinary classroom knowledge with the real-world experiences to prepare a new cohort of environmental and energy leaders to make positive impacts in their communities.
Master's of Science in Social Responsibility & Impact in Business (MSSRIB)
The Master's of Science in Social Responsibility & Impact in Business (MSSRIB) prepares graduates to lead social, environmental, and economic change from within the business world. Offered through UConn's School of Business, the program blends business fundamentals with specialized knowledge in sustainability, human rights, and corporate responsibility, drawing students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. The program is also accessible to current undergraduate students (Accelerated MS program) and working professionals (Graduate Certificate program).
Sustainable Environmental Planning Management (SEPM) Graduate Certificate
The Sustainable Environmental Planning Management (SEPM) Graduate Certificate is a 12-credit, 100% online program designed to prepare participants for future schooling or a career in the "green jobs" industry. Over a completion time of 12 to 16 months, students learn about ecological systems and the factors that impact them (social, economic, political, etc.), develop geospatial skills, and learn to prepare and evaluate environmental management plans. Credits that students earn for the SEPM program can also be applied to the Master's of Energy and Environmental Management.