UNO's vision and goal are that all graduates, faculty, and staff are sustainability literate. Sustainability literacy is embedded in curricular and co-curricular programs, and it is realized in the classroom (physical and virtual) and through experiential learning on and off campus.
Course Offerings
At its core, sustainability calls for a transdisciplinary approach that requires building connections among disciplines. As part of UNO's commitment to STARS, the university strives to offer courses that are sustainability-focused and/or sustainability-related in multiple departments — Business to the Social Sciences, Life Sciences to the Arts.
To assist students interested in sustainability, the Office of Sustainability has compiled a list of sustainability courses offered at UNO. This list is updated three times a year. (Please note: This list is limited to only UNO courses and does not include UNL courses offered on UNO's campus).
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science - Environmental ScienceThis interdisciplinary degree provides students with training in the breadth of disciplines required to understand the complex nature of solving environmental challenges, as well as the scientific expertise needed to successfully pursue a career related to the environment.
An area of concentration in environmental studies is concerned with chemical pollutants, environmental geology, local and regional planning, environmental biology, and the monitoring of the environment with regard to conservation and safety issues.
An area of concentration in sustainability can prepare students with skills that apply to virtually any field and profession that share the common goal of promoting healthy organizations and communities, as well as a healthy planet.
A minor in sustainability is intended to provide students with the background needed to incorporate sustainability principles into their major field of study. Sustainability is about the interconnectedness of every system on the planet and preserving the ability of the earth to support both our generation and future generations.
A minor in environmental studies is intended to provide students with the background to understand the complex nature of solving environmental challenges.
Graduate Programs
Master of Science - Urban StudiesThis program prepares students to lead and engage communities and institutions in processes to improve the quality of life through an appreciation of the interactive effects among human, built, and natural systems in urban areas.
The concentration in sustainability expands the students’ perspective to include an understanding of the environmental and social aspects of business.
This program helps students to combine analytical tools of the humanities and the sciences to understand the deep and multifaceted relationships between health and the environment as well as to examine and develop practical ways of responding strategically to the consequences of such relationships. (100% online)