University of Washington, Seattle
ER-9: Sustainability Learning Outcomes

While the University of Washington does not have a formal sustainability requirement, it requires that all undergraduate students take a minimum of 40 credits of Areas of Knowledge courses, with at least 10 credits in each of three Areas: Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (VLPA); Individuals and Societies (I&S); and The Natural World (NW). These distribution requirements ensure that all undergraduate students obtain an understanding of social and/or environmental sustainability once they graduate. I&S courses focus on the history, development, and dynamics of human behavior, as well as social and cultural institutions and practices. Departments that offer such courses include American ethnic studies, anthropology, economics, geography, international studies, political science, psychology, sociology, and women studies. I&S includes, from departments such as history, philosophy, and religion, courses traditionally grouped with "humanities" at other colleges. NW courses focus on the disciplined, scientific study of the natural world. The Area can be divided into three broad categories: the mathematical sciences, the physical sciences, and the biological sciences. Departments that offer such courses include astronomy, biology, chemistry, fisheries, forest resources, geology, mathematics, and oceanography. More information on these requirements can be found here: http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/degreeplanning/gebsraoknow.php

The following sample of sustainability learning outcomes are associated with the degree programs in the College of the Environment: Increase basic understanding of complex natural systems and how the natural world and human society are interconnected and impact one other. Help students think critically about the scientific basis for environmental issues, the nature of scientific inquiry in the study of natural systems, and how individuals and societies respond to the challenges they present. Explore the continuum from identifying environmental problems and the risks they present to formulating and implementing solutions and policies.