Credit Language
AC 3: Graduate Programs – Version 3.0
Indicators
3.1. Graduate programs with sustainability-focused learning requirements
3.2. Percentage of graduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
Sustainability learning outcomes and qualifications at the Graduate level are now included in a separate credit. Performance is now assessed based on the percentage of qualifications (e.g., degrees and certificates) awarded rather than the percentage of graduates. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
Do sustainability learning outcomes need to include the word sustainability to count?
A learning outcome does not necessarily have to include the term “sustainability” to count as sustainability-focused as long as there is an explicit focus on the integrated concept of sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems.
How do we determine what qualifications should be counted under Indicator 3.1?
To qualify as sustainability-focused, the primary focus of a program must be on the integrated
concept of sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems. A qualification focused on a subject other than sustainability qualifies if it:
- Requires the successful completion of a sustainability-focused course,
- Has one or more specified sustainability-focused learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria, AND/OR
- Provides a direct pathway to a sustainability-focused job or career (e.g., a certificate in renewable energy systems).
Our institution does not use the same nomenclature for degrees, minors, certifications and programs. How do we classify our programs for Indicator 3.1?
- Programs that qualify as a “Degree, certificate, or major” are education programs, subject areas, or qualifications that students may formally choose to focus on during their studies. Such programs are typically several months in duration or longer.
- Programs that qualify as a “Concentration or minor” are education programs, subject areas, or qualifications that students may formally choose to have as a secondary focus during their studies, and are typically shorter in duration than degree programs/majors.
Resources, Templates & Tools
UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives
Suggestions for Institutions
- Although many institutions publish the number and type of degrees and other qualifications that are awarded, it may take some time to identify which qualifications meet the criteria. Consider getting started on this early in the data collection process.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- The content references academic programs and qualifications at the graduate level specifically (e.g., Masters degree or graduate certificate).
- Indicator 3.1. Graduate programs with sustainability-focused learning requirements explicitly address either the integrated concept of sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems.
- Indicator 3.2. Numeric outliers under “Percentage of graduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements” (60% or more) should be avoided or explained.