Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) offers a wide range of dedicated degree programs and elective courses that address sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across various academic disciplines. This commitment is deeply embedded in the university’s academic structure, offering both full degrees and elective courses specifically designed to advance environmental and social sustainability.
Environmental Studies Program and Sustainability Degrees
UNNES offers a dedicated Environmental Studies Study Program, which is central to its commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
- 350 students are currently enrolled in the Environmental Studies Program, with a graduation rate of 95%.
- Over 100 faculty members contribute to this program, focusing on research related to conservation, climate change, biodiversity, and resource management.
- The program includes practical fieldwork, with students engaging in over 50 community-based projects that directly address environmental challenges, such as reforestation, waste management, and renewable energy adoption.
Integration of SDG Principles in Other Degree Programs
Beyond environmental studies, UNNES incorporates sustainability into its other degree programs. Programs like Music Education, Dance Education, and Javanese Studies play an important role in preserving traditional and cultural sustainability, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
- More than 1,500 students in these programs benefit from curriculum modules that explore how traditional arts can promote sustainability and cultural heritage preservation.
- For example, Music Education students engage in projects that use music as a medium to raise awareness about environmental conservation and social issues.
- The Dance Education program incorporates themes related to cultural sustainability and how traditional dance forms, such as Javanese dance, can help maintain cultural identity and local ecosystems.
- Javanese Studies includes coursework that teaches how traditional agricultural practices (such as those used in batik and handicraft) contribute to local sustainability and economic resilience.
SDG-Oriented Elective Courses Across Disciplines
UNNES also offers a wide array of elective courses on sustainability, which are available to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their field of study.
- In 2024, over 8,000 students participated in these electives, which cover topics such as sustainable business practices, climate change mitigation, environmental ethics, and social sustainability.
- These courses are taught by over 50 faculty members from diverse disciplines, ensuring a broad, interdisciplinary approach to SDG education.
- Additionally, these electives have been incorporated into the curriculum of 12 different faculties, making sustainability education accessible to students in fields ranging from engineering to the arts.
Research Initiatives Aligned with SDG-Focused Courses
UNNES’s commitment to research on sustainability is integral to its academic programs.
- In 2024, over 100 research projects were conducted by students and faculty members, focusing on various SDG-related issues such as water conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy.
- 40% of these research projects directly contributed to improving local policies and community practices related to sustainability.
- UNNES also offers research grants specifically for projects that address the SDGs, providing over Rp 2 billion in funding annually to support student-led sustainability initiatives.
