Sustainability in Academics and Research

"As we confront such problems as environmental sustainability and climate change in our classrooms and labs, we recognize our responsibility to help forge resilience in the communities we serve." —SF State Strategic Plan

Highlights: Sustainability in Academics and Research

Climate HQ

Climate Change Certificate

SF State's Climate Change Certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the climate crisis. Open to students of all majors!

SFSU student measuring plants

Sustainability Research

Faculty and students are engaged in a wide range of sustainability-related research on campus. 

SFSU Graduation

Environmental Sustainability Graduation Requirement

SF State requires students to take a least one course in areas that the campus feels are important, including Environmental Sustainability. 

Sustainability Majors

Sustainability Courses

Sustainability Scholarships

SFSU Climate Action Fellowship 

Up to six awards of $10,000 each awarded to accepted undergraduate and graduate applicants for creative activities and research related to climate change and climate justice, projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, education and outreach related to climate change, and on-campus or off-campus projects (e.g., community-based groups or other non-profits).

James C. Kelley Scholarship 

Awarded to undergraduates or graduate students in the College of Science & Engineering. To support undergraduate and/or graduate students in the College of Science and Engineering (COSE) who show excellent promise in Marine or environmental science and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. One scholarship for $1,000.

The Monteverdi Fellowship

Scholarship to support a graduate student in Earth & Climate Sciences specializing in atmospheric science, oceanography, or climate science, based on academic merit and financial need. Two awards of $10,000. 

Estuary & Ocean Science Scholarship 
The Estuary and Ocean Science Scholarship supports graduate student success in marine and coastal research and science engagement. Criteria: first, second or third year in the Interdisciplinary Marine & Estuarine Sciences MS degree program or other CoSE graduate degree program when the graduate advisor is based at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center. Awards are for up to $2000. 

Estuary & Ocean Science Opportunity Scholarship 
The Estuary and Ocean Science Opportunity Scholarship supports graduate student success in marine and coastal research and science engagement for students who have demonstrated financial need. Criteria: first, second or third year in the Interdisciplinary Marine & Estuarine Sciences MS degree program or other CoSE graduate degree program when the graduate advisor is based at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center. Awards are for up to $2000. 

Scholarships & Fellowships in Earth & Climate Sciences

Various scholarships from the Department of Environment. 

SFSU Student Financial Aid

Library Resources

AASHE STARS Score

STARS recognizes institutions that have formal education programs and courses that address sustainability with the intent of preparing future leaders to address sustainability challenges. SF State was an early adopter of a sustainability graduation requirement and offers numerous sustainability-focused academic programs. We have room to improve in the way we track sustainability-focused courses and research. We encourage faculty members to notify us if their courses or research are not listed in the STARS report. 

Curriculum Category:
Credit Status Points
Academic Course (AC 1)  Complete 11.52 / 14.00
Learning Outcomes (AC 2)  Complete 7.12 / 8.00
Undergraduate Program (AC 3)  Complete 3.00 / 3.00
Graduate Program (AC 4)  Complete 3.00 / 3.00
Immersive Experience (AC 5)  Complete 2.00 / 2.00
Sustainability Literacy Assessment (AC 6)  Complete 2.00 / 4.00
Incentives for Developing Courses (AC 7)  Complete 2.00 / 2.00
Campus as a Living Laboratory (AC 8)  Complete 4.00 / 4.00

Research Category:

Credit Status Points
Research and Scholarship (AC 9)  Complete 8.19 / 12.00
Support for Research (AC 10)  Complete 2.00 / 4.00
Open Access to Research (AC 11)  Complete 1.33 / 2.00