IN THE COLLEGES

Through rigourous academic programs and the research of expert faculty, Villanova advances knowledge in critical areas such as resilient water systems, energy-smart electronics, biodiversity loss, coral bleaching, the societal impact of extreme weather and public health, to name a few. 

The work being done by our students and faculty in and out of the classroom is guided by the principles of Catholic social teaching and the desire to create a more just and sustainable world for all. 

IN THE CLASSROOM

As an academic institution, Villanova offers rigorous programs of study which focus on the environment and the social impact of sustainability. Students are also welcome to explore a number of courses with sustainability attributes.

Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies (College of Arts & Science, Geography & The Environment)

The BA in Environmental Studies program focuses on the interface between environmental science and relevant social sciences, including public policy, political science, law, economics, sociology, and planning. Founded on the principle that the social sciences – both as a body of knowledge and as the bases for structuring human societal norms and behaviors – must be applied to assess and to address the direct and indirect influences of human activities on the integrity of the Earth’s systems. 

Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science (College of Arts & Science, Geography & The Environment)

The BS in Environmental Science program provides the technical background necessary for understanding the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of the environment. The program’s graduates will have an understanding of and appreciation for the processes and interactions that occur both within and between the atmosphere, the biosphere, the lithosphere, and the hydrosphere. 

Major and Minor in Peace and Justice (College of Arts & Science, Center for Peace and Justice)

The Center for Peace & Justice Education offers both a major and minor in Peace & Justice. Their interdisciplinary curriculum is firmly rooted in Villanova’s Augustinian tradition of education in the service of world peace and social justice, with particular emphasis on the poor and marginalized in society.

Minor in Sustainability Studies (College of Arts & Science & College of Engineering)

An interdisciplinary minor that examines ways to limit actions that adversely affect the environment, by improving utilization of natural resources, and options for social, economic, cultural development. The program will discuss the role of science, engineering, business, government and people in building a more sustainable world. 

Global Health Minor (M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing)

This minor is open to all undergraduate students. Focused on the health of people around the world and how peoples’ health is affected by gender, race, ethnicity, political priorities, socioeconomic status, climate, geography, accessibility, and acceptability of care.

COP Embedded Course in Antalya, Turkey

The course will involve study of climate justice and the nuts and bolts of climate negotiations. Students will develop their own research projects to pursue in person at the climate negotiations themselves.

Master of Business Administration with specialization in Sustainability (Villanova School of Business)

Villanova's Master of Business Administration allows students to specialize in Sustainability. By using a life cycle lens and STEEP (Social, Technology, Economic, Environment and Political) framework, you’ll be exposed to the challenges of climate change, public policy, socio-economic equity, eco-efficient material use and other sustainable solutions.

Master of Science in Environmental Science (College of Liberal Arts and Science)

Villanova's Master of Science in Environmental Science emphasizes integrated thinking and learning at the nexus of science, policy, and human behavior. Graduates of this program will see beyond linear and fragmented approaches to solving environmental problems to understand the complex interactions between people and the environment.

Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering (College of Engineering)

Villanova’s Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering (MSSE) is a multi-disciplinary degree, ideal for those who are interested in gaining further expertise and knowledge with regard to the full environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable engineering. Villanova’s MSSE program employs a whole-systems approach to problem-solving through a life-cycle lens. This program is available to the non-engineering degree holder.

Sustainable Enterprise Executive Education & Development (SEED)

Unlike most executive-level programs of its kind, SEED combines the leadership expertise of faculty from the highly-ranked Villanova School of Business with the technical knowledge of professors in Villanova’s first-of-its-kind Sustainable Engineering program. You will learn from those who see the sustainability landscape from multiple perspectives.

CAMPUS INITIATIVES

As Villanovans, we have a collective responsibility to improve our common home.

The Office for Sustainability has taken a significant step towards achieving this goal by announcing six actionable initiatives as a roadmap toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. To ensure success, we have partnered a dean from Villanova's six colleges with each initiative to serve as its ambassador to elevate and advocate for these efforts.

 

GREEN OFFICE

 Villanova University's offices consume considerable energy and produce considerable waste. The Green Office Program provides tools and support to help offices and departments conserve resources, reduce costs, and contribute to Villanova’s commitment to sustainability. 

NOURISH 2 FLOURISH

We prioritize our students' growth and success—we want them to flourish and thrive. We aim to take a more intentional approach to address the multifaceted needs of the Villanova community. In this initiative, we strive to proactively engage with students regarding their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Through our partnership with the Office of Mission and Ministry, we offer Mindfulness Monday, yoga and labyrinth walks. 

PAPERLESS VILLANOVA

This initiative aims to rally efforts to significantly decrease paper usage at Villanova. A team of students is leading efforts on decreasing the use of physical waivers for different activities on campus. The initiative is also focusing on printed flyers and course materials in selected departments at the University, intending to transform how paper is used in these types of situations.

 

PLASTIC REDUCTION

Aware of how plastic is embedded in our lives, this initiative takes a realistic approach to the plastic challenge on campus by adopting a reduction approach rather than a total ban. Phase one of this approach is led by Jean Lutes, PhD, The Luckow Family Endowed Chair in English, and a group of faculty/staff across the university who worked with Dining Services to start ReusePass. 

RACE TO ZERO WASTE

This initiative seeks to achieve Zero Waste certification, which requires diverting at least 90% of non-construction waste from landfills or incineration for various campus offices and buildings. The Office for Mission and Ministry in St. Rita Hall and the Facilities Management Office in the Facilities Management building lead the way by adopting a centralized waste system for compost, recycling, and trash.  

SHARENOVA

The ShareNova initiative aims to promote a sharing economy at Villanova University grounded in the Augustinian way of living. ShareNova focuses on optimizing the use of assets such as office supplies, vehicles, space, and time. We can reduce our purchasing and waste generation by exploring opportunities to share resources within the community. Initiatives include Freestore, Bike Share and Rheaply.