Programs Offered

We have tremendous breadth and depth in our academics. Many of our academic programs are ranked among the best in the world, and, through our five academic departments and Penn State World Campus, we offer nearly 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and professional programs. Learn more about our sustainability-related undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates.

Majors

• Earth Science and Policy
• Earth Sciences
• Energy and Sustainability Policy B.A./B.S.
• Energy Business and Finance
• Energy Engineering
• Environmental Systems Engineering
• Geography

Minors

• Climatology
• Earth and Sustainability
• Earth Systems
• Energy Business and Finance
• Energy Engineering
• Environmental Inquiry
• Environmental Systems Engineering
• Geography
• Sustainability Leadership

Certificates

• Climate and Environmental Change
• Earth Sustainability
• Environment and Society
• Justice, Ethics, Diversity in Space
• Landscape Ecology
• Landscapes: Societies, Cultures, and Political Economies

Courses

• Sustainability Course List   
  The Sustainability Institute maintains a listing of sustainability-focused and sustainability-related courses.

Internships

• Sustainability Institute Internships & Employment Opportunities Interested in gaining some experience in sustainability work? View opportunities on the SI webpage.
• Be sure to check the EMS Careers Module in the EMS Undergraduate CANVAS as well.

Engagement 

• The EMS Student Sustainability Committee - The Sustainability Council's Student Committee views halting and reversing anthropogenic climate change as a major challenge facing Penn State, the commonwealth, nation, and global society, for which we believe the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is most suited to provide leadership.
• EcoReps -EcoReps are student sustainability ambassadors who promote the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals among first-year students.
• Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State
  The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State is part of the Penn State's Sustainable Food Systems Program. The goal of the program is to develop students’ knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices while providing hands-on learning opportunities and positively contributing to the community.
• Student Sustainability Advisory Council (SSAC)
  SSAC is a student organization that provides consultation and advice on sustainability planning, programs, curricula and initiatives. SSAC recommendations adopted by the University include using locally sourced food in the dining halls to support regional agriculture; an increase in electric vehicle charging stations; and the creation of a survey to gauge the importance of sustainability issues in students’ lives, determine awareness of campus sustainability efforts and discover what students are doing to be sustainable.
• Drawdown Penn State
  Many faculty in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences serve as faculty mentors in the Penn State Drawdown Research Experience for Undergraduates Program, which is hosted by the College of Engineering. Drawdown Scholars work closely with  faculty mentors and their respective graduate students to conduct laboratory, field, and/or modeling research to advance Drawdown strategies for reversing global warming.

Study Abroad/Away

• City Semester Pittsburgh - Penn State’s City Semester Pittsburgh program gives students the opportunity to spend an entire semester studying urban sustainability, interning virtually or in-person with a Pittsburgh partner, and making valuable connections to community leaders and potential future employers. City Semester students will be active participants in Penn State’s efforts that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to improve quality of life in metropolitan areas. The program is offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
• The Green Program - The Green Program (TGP) offers short-term study abroad opportunities that are centered around sustainability education and bucket-list experiences around the world. Summer opportunities to travel with TGP to Iceland and Peru are approved through PSU Global Programs. Students can earn PSU credit on these experiences and are eligible for scholarships through Global Penn State and The Green Program.
  • The Green Program – ICELAND, Summer Direct Enroll through Penn State Education Abroad - Open to any PSU student.  In partnership with Reykjavik University's Iceland School of Energy graduate study programs, you will enroll in a 1.5 credit course and it will explore how Iceland is becoming a leader in renewable energy innovation. Participants will learn about how the country is utilizing innovative geothermal energy and hydro power technologies and cutting these to work in the circular economy, food production, carbon sequestration and capture, and renewable fuel production.  Iceland is a top destination for awe inspiring adventure travel and ecotourism. Home to jaw-dropping natural landscapes and pristine topography, as well as authentic Nordic culture and welcoming atmosphere, Iceland is The GREEN Program's most popular destination for experiential sustainability education, bucket list adventuring, and unique cultural immersion. Questions can be sent to Casey McClellan cem6165@psu.edu. 
  • The Green Program – PERU, Summer Direct Enroll through Penn State Education Abroad Open to any PSU student. By participating in the Green Program in Peru focusing on Water Resource Management & Sustainable Practices, you will discover the challenges, solutions, and processes for the management and distribution of water resources in Peru. You'll analyze the evolution of technology in the utilization of water from ancient periods to modern times, visit a World Wonder, go ziplining, and more! While in Peru, you will enroll in one 3-credit course during the summer term at the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL). Questions can be sent to Brandon McCartney bmm6341@psu.edu.
• You can learn more about Sustainability in Education Abroad at Penn State through their website.