Luther College offers both a Major and a Minor in Environmental Studies as well as many courses open to all students. From biology to philosophy, geology to sociology, Environmental Studies is a truly interdisciplinary and engaged course of study. Many of our courses utilize the local area for intensive study beyond the classroom, and all of our students are encouraged to broaden their horizons through study abroad.

Sustainability in Curriculum Survey

A survey was conducted in April of 2009 to find out where sustainability is currently being taught in the Luther curriculum in order to help the Student Learning task group of the Sustainability Council identify opportunities to “make sustainability a part of every student’s learning experience.” 

Student Projects

Each year an environmental philosophy class undertakes group projects related to sustainability.  In the past, research and ideas coming from these projects have led to actual changes at Luther.

 The current class of 50 students is working on 15 different projects and include the following:

• Socially responsible investing of the endowment.
• Collecting old shoes and sending them to developing countries.
• Exploring the possibility of having green/living roofs on campus.
• Banning the sale of water bottles on campus.
• Incorporating sustainability into study abroad trips.
• Edible landscaping.
• Solar voltaic demonstration project.
• Increasing the amount of no-mow areas on campus.