The built environment and transportation provide us with shelter and mobility that
enable human flourishing, but they also drive sustainability impacts.

Gateway Academic Programs

Academic Programs

Penn State students can engage sustainability’s biggest challenges through their coursework, service, and applied experiences. In alignment with our Climate Consortium, the Sustainability Learning Gateway’s overarching themes provide pathways to learning about sustainability challenges, diving deep into the issues inside and outside of the classroom, and developing expertise that is personally, civically, and professionally meaningful. You can also search by your level, undergraduate or graduate. We have included these academic programs for one of three reasons. The program must:

  1. Require sustainability explicitly (Ex: Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems, Energy and Sustainability Policy, or Sustainability Leadership);
  2. Provides a track or pathway for students to easily incorporate sustainability into the program (Architecture, Public Policy, or Ethics)
  3. Affords creativity or innovation to students to integrate sustainability into their program (Ex: Art, Integrative Sciences, or Music Composition).

There is a lot of information on these pages. Even still, we know special topics come up, individual faculty create sustainability-focused sections of courses, research experiences might be hidden somewhere, and new opportunities can emerge. To make the most of the Gateway and your sustainability journey, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with an academic adviser or a trusted mentor for assistance. If you have questions or feedback about the Gateway, please email: sustainability@psu.edu.

Aerospace Engineering (B.S.)
Study analysis, design, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft, including both theory and practice.

Architecture (B.Arch.)
For those who seek careers as practicing architects and for those who wish to enter related design fields, become an expert in architecture.

Biological Engineering (B.S.)
Explore the world of biology through an engineering lens with a focus on production and processing systems, resource conservation methods, and even food engineering.

Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
By mixing theory with empirical research, this program explores the role of chemistry and its manipulation in a range of disciplines including pharmaceuticals, biotech, catalyst handling, and semiconductors.

Civil Engineering (B.S.)
Design and implement sustainable solutions in realms including urban transportation, construction, and materials production.

Engineering (B.S.).
Implement sustainable solutions through a personalized topic in engineering while gaining a baseline understanding of all engineering disciplines.

Engineering Science (B.S.)
Through this multidisciplinary honors program, explore the overlap of engineering disciplines in creating integratable sustainable practices and products.

Industrial Engineering (B.S.)
Explore sustainable practices in manufacturing processes and systems, encompassing aspects such as design, operation, and controls.

Integrative Science (B.S.)
For those who have education goals relating to scientific theory and practice across disciplinary areas, and who seek a high degree of flexibility, become knowledgeable across many disciplines.

Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.)
The art of design, planning, or management of the land and of the natural and built elements upon it.

Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.)
With a basis in biology, chemistry, and physics, research and develop new sustainable materials that will serve as solutions to current environmentally harmful practices.

Mechanical Engineering (B.S.).
Design and implement sustainable solutions in realms such as production systems, technology, power plants and more.

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (B.S.)
Explore the theoretical, managerial, and technical facets of recreation, parks, and tourism to enhance sustainable engagement and management.

Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology (B.S.)
For those interested in construction and development, this program provides an encompassing background in engineering, building site operations and management, supply chain, and code and ordinance literacy.

 

Architecture Studies
Combine the arts and humanities with engineering, science, and technology through examining global architecture.

Biological Engineering
Explore the world of biology through an engineering lens with a focus on production and processing systems, resource conservation methods, and even food engineering.

Earth and Sustainability
Explore global sustainability issues in the context of marine, land, and atmospheric systems.

Electrochemical Engineering
Contribute to the progress of clean energy and storage by advancing solar, batteries, and fuel cell technology using a gained background in chemistry, physics, math, and thermodynamics.

Engineering Design
Further engage in the discipline of engineering through a project-based curriculum with the potential for sustainable solution development.

Environmental Engineering
Become equipped to solve environmental issues that require a background in both civil engineering and earth systems.

Landscape Architecture
Learn the art of design, planning, or management of the land and of the natural and built elements upon it.

Materials Science and Engineering
With a basis in biology, chemistry, and physics, research and develop new sustainable materials that will serve as solutions to current environmentally harmful practices.

Mining Engineering
Become prepared to work in international mineral and resource extraction by learning about mine operations, supply chain management, and processing.

Residential Construction
Gain proficiency and experience in residential construction grounded in sustainable land development and highlighting a background in engineering, finance, and management.

Sustainability Leadership
Promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability in personal and professional lives by studying systems thinking, change agency, ethics, and related topics.

Engineering and Community Engagement
Combine design, research, and engineering principles to address the needs of communities in the U.S. and abroad, all while stressing cultural awareness, sustainability, innovation, and teamwork.

Engineering Design
Further engage in the discipline of engineering through a project-based curriculum with the potential for sustainable solution development.

Engineering Design with Digital Tools
Further engage in the discipline of engineering through a project-based curriculum with a focus on digital tools in the pursuit of sustainable solution development.

Geospatial Big Data Analytics
Learn how to collect, process, analyze, and communicate a wide range of geospatial big data from sources including satellites, cameras, and smartphones.

Housing
Prepare for a career in housing by studying the technology of housing, the development process, and the design and delivery processes.

Architecture
A research-focused degree program designed to offer research inquiry into architecture.

Engineering Management
Learn business and management perspectives and enhance capabilities in the management of major projects, business initiatives, policies, and other activities in both the public and private sectors.

Nuclear Engineering
Research nuclear applications in different options including thermal hydraulics, physics and engineering, security, safeguards and safety, and others.

AE464: Advanced Architectural Illumination Systems and Design
This course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced lighting design, encompassing photometry, lighting and daylighting system performance, control systems, and modeling tools, equipping students with the skills to analyze, design, and evaluate complex lighting and daylighting systems using engineering principles and software.

ANTH432: Environmental Archeology
 This course introduces students to environmental archaeology, focusing on methods and theories in archaeobotany, pedoarchaeology, and zooarchaeology to explore past human-environment interactions through interdisciplinary analysis of archaeological materials.

ARCH170N: Introduction to Sustainable Architecture
This course explores the environmental impact of buildings and the principles of sustainable architecture, integrating scientific analysis of energy, materials, and ecosystems with aesthetic, cultural, and historical perspectives to promote designs that support both environmental stewardship and human well-being.

ARCH441: Architectural Design Analysis
Studies in principles and elements of design; planning for human use; the relationship of space to physical and social environment.

ARCH442: Architectural Design Analysis
Continuation of ARCH 441, with emphasis on the functional relationship of space, form, structure, and building groups with solutions responding to both formal ideas as well as human, environmental, and technical realities.

ARCH480: Technical Systems Integration
This course emphasizes the integrated analysis and design of buildings from multiple technical and architectural perspectives, teaching students to synthesize structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, acoustic, and sustainability systems to enhance both performance and design intent in architectural practice.

BE307: Principles of Soil and Water Engineering
This course focuses on utilization and engineering of soil-water resources, including rainfall-runoff, soil-water movement, erosion/sediment transport, and flow processes.

BE464: Bioenergy Systems Engineering
This course covers the fundamental theories and applied technologies used in production (sustainable cropping systems, harvest, etc) and conversion (ethanol fermentation, biodiesel catalysis, etc) of biomass into transportation fuels, heat, power, electricity, chemicals and other value-added products.

BE466W: Biological Engineering Design II
This is the second course in a two-part capstone sequence where Biological Engineering students apply design principles to real-world projects that could be in agriculture, food processing, natural resources, or other areas, focusing on hands-on implementation, testing, and communication.

BE467: Design of Stormwater and Erosion Control Facilities
This course equips students with the ability to design sediment and stormwater impoundments and erosion control structures used in agriculture and the development of the agricultural-urban interface.

CE370: Introduction to Environmental Engineering
This course introduces the science and engineering principles of environmental systems, providing quantitative tools to address air, water, and land pollution through treatment processes and pollution control strategies.

CE410: Sustainable Residential Subdivision Design
This course provides students with a working knowledge of the residential land development design process, including conservation and green design approaches, site assessment, grading and earthwork, utility design and layout, and stormwater management.

CE423: Traffic Operations
This course focuses on the concepts and techniques essential for the practice of traffic engineering, such as the use of traffic control devices, field studies for traffic data collection, traffic signal warrants, signal phasing and timing plans, and analysis of signalized intersection operation.

CE437: Engineering Materials for Sustainability
This course explores the environmental impact of materials; life-cycle assessment; material selection to optimize performance; design, evaluation, and production of green construction materials.

CE439: Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Design Capstone
This course focuses on subsurface site evaluation; integrated design of retaining walls, foundations, pavements, and materials for airports, highways, dams, or other facilities.

EDSGN452: Projects in Community Service Engineering
This course engages multidisciplinary student teams in real-world, community-centered humanitarian engineering projects, integrating design, ethics, and contextual awareness to support community goals while critically examining the societal impacts of engineering practice with opportunities to practice sustainable design.

EDSGN453: Design for Developing Communities
This seminar series prepares students to design sustainable, user-centered humanitarian engineering and social entrepreneurship ventures by emphasizing systems thinking, context-driven design, and integrated strategies for resource-constrained developing communities.

EGEE412: Green Engineering & Environmental Compliance
This course introduces students to material and energy flows in industrial systems, emphasizing pollution prevention, green engineering principles, and environmental compliance to promote sustainable and clean technologies.

EMSC121: Minerals and Modern SocietyANTH432: Environmental Archeology
This course explores the production and use of mineral resources in modern society with an emphasis on the interrelationships and their effect on the Earth system.

FOR401: Urban Forest Management
This course explores the planning and management of trees and natural landscapes to support community development, focusing on arboriculture, urban forestry programs, land-use policy, and the role of natural resources in civic environmentalism and sustainable community planning.

GEOG260: Geographic Information in a Changing World: Introduction to GIScience
This course provides a foundational understanding of Geographic Information Science (GIScience) and geospatial technologies, teaching students how geographic data are acquired, analyzed, and communicated to address environmental and social change in a rapidly evolving world.

GEOG487: Environmental Applications of GIS
This course uses a problem-based approach to teach students how to apply spatial analysis to environmental challenges, focusing on data sourcing, workflow design, and map-based communication using modern spatial data science tools.

LARCH405N: Bicycling Culture and Urban Design
This course covers bicycle culture, allows students to observe bicycle infrastructure and multi-modal transportation solutions, learn from programs and policies that support bicycling, and learn about the role of bicycling in sustainable, livable communities.

LARCH414: Design and Theory V: Advanced Landscape Architectural Design
 This advanced studio course engages landscape architecture majors in in-depth, complex site planning and design projects focused on urban form, community identity, and environmental concerns, often involving real clients and emphasizing rigorous research, planning, and design execution.

MATH33: Mathematics for Sustainability
This course introduces mathematical modeling and quantitative reasoning through the lens of sustainability, covering topics such as measurement, flow systems, networks, rates of change, risk analysis, and decision-making, with applications to environmental and economic issues like climate change, pollution, and resource use.

MATSE492: Materials Engineering Methodology and Design
This course prepares students to solve real-world industrial materials challenges, accounting for economic, environmental, sustainability, manufacturability, ethical, health and safety, social, and political concerns through team-based design projects that integrate technical, economic, environmental, and social considerations.

MATSE493: Material Science and Engineering Multidisciplinary Capstone Design Project
This multidisciplinary capstone course engages students in industry-sponsored or community-based design projects, where they collaborate across engineering disciplines to develop practical solutions, including sustainable solutions, gaining experience in project management, prototyping, communication, and professional engineering practices.

ME441W: Thermal Systems Design Project
This course focuses on the design, simulation, and optimization of thermal systems, integrating energy efficiency and economic assessment, while guiding student teams through industry-sponsored projects from concept to final design and presentation.

RM450: Contemporary Issues in Real Estate Markets
 This course covers historical performance, land use issues, market valuation, real estate development, and public policy issues.

SUR462: Parcel-based Geospatial Information Systems
This course examines the acquisition, processing, and management of land parcel data within geospatial information systems, with an emphasis on cultural perspectives, sustainability, and the application of parcel-based geodatabases for informed land use decision-making.