Academics and Research

Make Sustainability part of your academic journey.

Sustainability in the Classroom

You can find elements of sustainability across a variety of programs and curriculum at Illinois State. Some programs are fully dedicated to sustainability. Others incorporate projects or concepts that make a positive impact on the environment. The ultimate goal is to make sure we're all responsible stewards of our communities and planet.

Study Your Passion

These academic programs are fully dedicated to various aspects of sustainability. You won't just learn about sustainability, you'll get experience addressing challenges and implementing solutions that make a major impact.

Add a sustainability class to your schedule. You don't have to major or minor in a program to make sustainability part of your classroom experience. Check out the programs' course requirements to see what's offered.

Majors

Conservation Biology

Designed for students seeking careers in the conservation of natural ecosystems and all levels of biodiversity.
Environmental Health and Sustainability

Ensure our food, water, air, and the places we live and work are safe and healthy.
Environmental Systems Science and Sustainability

Study complex environmental challenges, like pollution, climate change, and harmful waste.
Sustainable and Renewable Energy

Address real-world social, economic, and technical sustainability issues.

Minors

Business Environment and Sustainability

Increase your awareness and knowledge of the relationships between business and the physical environment.
Civic Engagement and Responsibility Minor

Participate in social change and develop an individual awareness of ethics and social responsibility.
Environmental Health and Sustainability

Get practical exposure to environmental challenges and how to solve them.
Environmental Studies

Examine the interrelationships between humans and their environment, and hazards facing our planet.
Food Studies

Understand the biological, cultural, environmental, philosophical, and political aspects of food and food systems.
Urban Studies

Research and analyze cities, their development, their structure and life, and their problems and resources.
Water Sustainability

Study and address the complex problems that threaten water security through an interdisciplinary lens.

We want to hear from faculty. Tell us how you're making sustainability part the classroom through curriculum, projects, and other ways. Or, just ask us how we can help.

Share your ideas

An instructor teaches students about the garden they are standing in.

Instructor and students wear hard hats as they study on solar panels.

Research for Faculty and Students

Participating in research feeds your curiosity while making contributions to the field. Illinois State has all the tools and resources you need to dive deep into the topics and challenges that most interest you.

Explore Research at Illinois State

We can help make your research idea a reality.

A successful research project takes a lot of work. We want to make sure you can focus on what really matters: making a positive impact in the field of sustainability.

Team up with us and we can help get your project off the ground, find research partners, connect you to resources, and get funding.

Tell us what you're up to and we'll let you know what we can do to help

Sustainability Research Spotlight

Jesse Smith is working to restore the Sugar Creek Savanna.

Professional Development Opportunities

For Faculty

Integrate Sustainability Into Your Curriculum

The Center for Integrated Professional Development periodically offers courses that provide simple steps to help you incorporate elements of sustainability in your classroom.

For All

Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education

This conference is the top event to exchange effective models, policies, research, collaborations and transformative actions that advance sustainability in higher education and surrounding communities. Any member of higher education is welcome to attend and we can help fund your trip.

Email us to learn more about attending this conference