The Refinishing Touch Blog

We’ve blogged several times about new initiatives adopted by colleges and universities to reduce their carbon footprints. Now it seems that schools are taking even bigger steps to promote sustainability for the future by offering new programs and degrees on sustainability.

As more industries and businesses focus on being environmentally responsible, there are potential opportunities for future graduates.

For example, many students are taking advantage of MBA programs based around sustainable business operations. One school that offers this program is the University of Pennsylvania, which allows students to earn both an MBA and a master’s in environmental studies at the same time.

Other examples of new green university programs include: Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, which now has a concentration in sustainable design; Arizona State University, which has opened a School of Sustainability that just celebrated its first graduating class this past May; and Bucknell University, which requires future students to take at least one course on the human connection to the environment.

For students looking to make a quicker transition into employment, many community colleges are offering short-term programs that provide students with the technical skills to operate green technology, such as wind turbines, in response to escalating demands for trained technicians.

All of these education programs are a response to increasing demand for green industries - as well as a growing interest from students.

With the environment becoming an increasingly important factor in all areas of life, it’s a matter of time before schools and colleges across America respond with relevant courses. This means that tomorrow’s students will be better equipped to look after tomorrow’s planet, which is a comforting thought.