Education
The future of education is here with our sustainability-focused curriculum.
USC fosters a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of our academic community, from our climate change-focused curriculum to beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities and more. We empower faculty through workshops, symposia and hands-on training sessions to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental leaders.
Sustainability Across the Curriculum Initiative (SACI)
With over 6,700 USC students enrolled in 141 undergraduate sustainability-focused courses and dozens of research centers, programs or institutes working on sustainability, our vision for a better future reaches far across the Trojan education. SACI supports the development of new courses, programs and curricular approaches that focus on climate change mitigation and solutions for a better future.
“USC’s mission is to cultivate engaged human beings who are empowered to have a positive impact on society.”
Jill Sohm, Professor of Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Sustainability Course Finder
Explore courses across USC’s 23 schools and academic units that teach principles, frameworks and action-oriented solutions for sustainability. From undergraduate courses focused on sustainability to new interdisciplinary certificates, minors and majors, forward-thinking learning is taking charge across campus.
Beyond-the-Classroom Learning
USC is constantly developing new courses and educational offerings geared toward experiential learning opportunities and partnering with Trojans across campus on symposia, fellowships, research programs, internships and more.
Experiential Learning & Research
USC President’s Sustainability Internship Program
Connecting students with co-curricular learning and research opportunities, this internship opportunity advances both USC’s sustainability goals and students’ real-world experience.
Undergraduate Student Grand Challenge Fellowship Program
The USC Center for Sustainability Solutions supports competitive, multidisciplinary research projects focused on sustainability led by undergraduate students in any USC major.
Zinsmeyer Summer Research Program
For 10 weeks each summer, USC Dornsife undergraduate students gain hands-on research experience with some of the world’s leading scientists to conduct guided, independent ocean research at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, where they forge connections with a diverse group of peers from a variety of schools.
Wrigley Institute Environmental Communications Internship
USC undergraduate interns learn how to shape society’s understanding of environmental issues by building skills at the intersection of science communication and storytelling and collaborating with leading researchers to amplify their work.
Wrigley Institute REU
To prepare students for a career in science while advancing the twin causes of sustainability and the environment, the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program gives students hands-on research experiences to broaden their understanding of oceanography and marine science.
The Blue Economy Program at USC-AltaSea, Port of Los Angeles
Undergraduates can obtain year-round aquaculture training and R&D engagement in a professional setting at USC-AltaSea, a 6,000-square-foot aquaculture lab that advances research into the blue economy.
Sustainability in the Arts
At USC, sustainability is woven into our art scene. From paintings to performances and everything in between, USC artists are exploring environmental concerns, social justice issues and the intersection of humans and nature. These works not only raise awareness but also inspire critical reflection and action toward a more sustainable future within the campus community and beyond.
Our impact on the natural world
The exhibition Mulyana: Modular Utopia, shown at the USC Pacific Asia Museum, centers around climate change and the relationship between human beings and nature.
The “Little Garden”
USC student Trenyce Tong works on her mural, titled “Little Garden,” at USC’s Peace Garden. The garden transforms a little-used plot of land into a flourishing and invigorating space for education, research and programs serving the community.
Understanding the cost of climate change
Artist Andy Johnson shows his trash-filled polar bear sculpture during the USC Sustainability Hub grand opening celebration. He created the piece to highlight that the average American produces more than 1,500 pounds of garbage each year.
Connecting sustainability staff with students
Chelsea Graham from the USC Office of Sustainability talks with students about climate-friendly practices and culture.
A time to reflect
Student art on climate change, environmental justice and sustainability is displayed publicly on campus as a reminder that we’re all working together for a sustainable future.
Art in sustainable places
Artist Andy Johnson installs a mural for the USC Sustainability Hub. This multiuse space is designed as a physical embodiment of USC’s Assignment: Earth initiative, aimed at cultivating an eco-conscious campus and global mindset.
