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. To make the most of it, 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 imperical research, this program explores the role of chemistry and its manipulation in a range of disciplines including phamaceuticals, 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 process and systems through aspects inlcuding 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.

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.

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 enviromentally harmful practices.

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

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.

Engineering and Community Engagement
Combine design, research, and engineering principles to address 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 project-based curriculum with the potential for sustainable solution development.

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

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.