Academics and Research

The next generation of leaders will require unprecedented expertise in understanding global systems.

To that end, Bard's undergraduate, graduate, and dual-degree programs enhance critical thinking around environmental, political, legal, economic, financial, and cultural systems. We are currently piloting an effort to map our curriculum and research to learning objectives for the Global Goals.

More about academics at Bard

Academic + Research Resources

Academics

By training and educating future leaders, scholars, workers, and professionals; higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to understand and address sustainability challenges. Institutions that offer courses covering sustainability issues help equip their students to lead society to a sustainable future.
Academics

Resources
- We evaluate the sustainability content of Bard classes through a Sustainability Report (STARS) produced every three years (Academic Course Inventory for 2014–17).
- Sustainability Literacy was assessed for students in the Bard Center for Environmental Policy graduate program and in an Environmental & Urban Studies undergraduate course using the Sulitest. Results were reported in our Sustainability Report (STARS)
- Bard CEP offers a sustainability-focused immersive educational study program each January
- A Green Fund overseen by the Sustainability Council offers annual incentives for faculty to develop sustainability courses. Awards grants up to $2,500.
- Bard’s campus is used as a living lab in the following categories: Air & Climate, Buildings, Energy, Food & Dining, Grounds, Purchasing, Transportation, Waste, Water, Coordination & Planning, Diversity & Affordability, Investment & Finance, and Well-Being & Work.
Research

Conducting research is a major function of many colleges and universities. By researching sustainability issues and refining theories and concepts, higher education institutions can continue to help the world understand sustainability challenges and develop new technologies and strategies to address them.
Research

Resources
- Bard Green Fund awards are provided annually for incorporating sustainability into pedagogies, research, and practice.
- Bard Senior Projects in Sustainability
- Faculty Inventory (STARS)

Photo by Chris Kayden

Undergraduate Programs in Sustainability

Environmental stewardship is a core element of Bard’s emphasis on civic engagement and social responsibility. The College offers rigorous, interdisciplinary training in environmental studies and ensures that all undergraduate students receive science education. The January-term Citizen Science intensive is required of all Bard first-year students, and the Environmental and Urban Studies (EUS) Program offers majors a solid background in the sciences, humanities, economics, and policy.

Student Spotlight

BardEATS Zero Waste Intern Khadija Ghanizada ’23

Since arriving at Bard last fall, first-year Khadija Ghanizada ’23 has been working to create a sustainable and engaged campus community, because she believes that “every individual can make a difference.” Most recently, during Citizen Science, she operated her own waste sorting game, giving Bardians the proper educational tools to be able to easily sort their own compost, recycling, and landfill.

Dual-Degree and Graduate Programs

Dual-Degree Programs

Dual-degree programs are available with the Bard Center for Environmental Policy (BCEP).

Undergraduate
4+1 BA/MS in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy: an accelerated dual-degree program

Graduate
MS and JD with Pace Law School
MS and MAT with Bard’s Master of Arts in Teaching
4+1 BA/MS in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy
Graduate Programs

Through BCEP and the Bard MBA in Sustainability, the College gives students the tools to excel in green business and government.

Programs of Study
MS in Environmental Policy
MS in Climate Science and Policy
MEd in Environmental Education
MBA in Sustainability
Professional Certificate Programs

Peace Corps
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program