Universities Make Climate Education Mandatory for All Students

A growing number of universities across the United States are revolutionizing higher education by requiring all students to learn about climate change, regardless of their major. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has become the first major public university to mandate climate education for graduation, with students now taking courses ranging from “Gender and Climate Justice” to “Economics of the Environment.”

The climate requirement reflects universities’ recognition that global warming will impact every career field. Economics majors learn to calculate the costs of environmental protection, while future museum curators explore how climate change intersects with social justice. UCSD offers over 50 qualifying courses across 23 disciplines, ensuring students can connect climate science to their chosen fields. As one professor noted, “You can’t escape climate change in the private sector or public sector—it’s just everywhere.”

Other institutions are following suit with their own approaches. Arizona State University now requires sustainability courses, while San Francisco State University has added climate justice requirements. The movement treats climate literacy as essential as traditional liberal arts education, preparing graduates for a world where healthcare providers must understand heat exposure, psychologists need to recognize climate anxiety, and business owners must navigate weather-related supply chain disruptions.

Despite potential political sensitivities, universities report minimal pushback from students and parents. The initiative represents a fundamental shift in higher education, acknowledging that climate change is no longer a specialized topic but a universal challenge requiring informed citizens across all professions to develop comprehensive solutions.