By Amy Resnic
Environmental learning has become increasingly important for students as newly created green jobs are expected to grow at a faster rate than other areas of the economy. More companies are looking to hire individuals with knowledge of environmental issues, and students are taking advantage of green programs at colleges to become more attractive to hiring companies.
As the number of green jobs rises, many schools are finding ways to introduce environmental courses in their curriculum to meet the demands of students and employers. The number of green college programs continues to increase each year, with schools offering undergraduate students the opportunity to minor or major in an environmental-focused program, as well as graduate students numerous graduate and doctoral programs.
Not only are more green degree programs being offered, but even traditional classes are including environmental issues as part of their syllabi. For instance, an accounting class might consider environmental impacts as part of the bottom line, fashion design classes might incorporate eco-friendly materials, and a business program might include sustainability classes.
Students will find a vast array of green disciplines for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at most state and private universities, including:
Eco-League College Consortium
In the United States, the Eco-League is the only college consortium with collaborating programs and experiential opportunities for students. Founded in 2003, the schools specialize in education focused on building a sustainable society. Semester exchange programs are offered, allowing students from one school to study at another without being considered a transfer student. The four schools in the Eco-League includes:
Schools that offer environmental degree programs
Green degree programs are so popular that college students can find ratings on-line at sources such as U.S. News & World Report and TreeHugger. Two members of the Eco-League consistently make it to one of these lists as top programs: College of the Atlantic and Northland College. In addition, here are some of the nation's other popular green programs according to these reports:
These are just a few of the many schools offering environmental programs. Once a student decides on a field of study, there are many opportunities for learning throughout the United States.
"Schools Expanding Green Career Degree Options".
Resources