Sustainability Education at the University of Colorado, Boulder: An analysis of the attitudes and interest of students and faculty regarding increasing opportunities for undergraduate sustainability education

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/2227mq65n

Abstract

This thesis provides a report on the current attitudes and interests of sustainability education at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Past research has shown other schools leading the country in sustainability education, along with great student benefits from the education. The objectives are to analyze three different sets of respondents using different surveys at the university. I surveyed eighteen sustainability educators, 55 Environmental Studies majors, and 100 non-Environmental Studies majors from November 2019 to February 2020 regarding sustainability education at CU Boulder. Results displayed whether students and educators stated interest in increasing educational opportunities, what opportunities already are available, and other questions about benefits, challenges, and thoughts on increasing sustainability learning opportunities. Analysis of results implied educators at the university believe there are great benefits to students learning sustainability skills, and support increasing opportunities. There are many internal and bureaucratic challenges that impede this implementation. Environmental Studies, non-Environmental Studies students show great interest in attending curriculum-based sustainability at many different levels including classes, minors, and majors of sustainability.

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