A dual-degree program at SNRE has helped the University of Michigan receive national recognition as one of “50 Colleges Committed to Saving the Planet.”

Engineering Sustainable Systems is a dual-master’s degree program between the School of Natural Resources & Environment and the U-M College of Engineering. Students pick from one of three  specializations: Sustainable Energy Systems, Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, and Sustainable Water Resources.

In releasing the rankings, the College Database said each college on its list offers a full suite of degree programs, or a single stand-out program, with clear focus on environmental protection, energy efficiency, sustainability and more. It researched thousands of post-secondary programs in creating its list.

“Tons of colleges have environmental science courses and programs,” said Wes Ricketts, vice president and general manager of The College Database. “However, those on our list stand out not only for unique concentration and scope, but also for going beyond the classroom, turning lessons learned into long-term, life-changing results.”

Since its inception in 2007, more than a dozen students have graduated from the ESS program and are applying their technical knowledge and analytical skills to improving environmental outcomes while working in industry, consulting, government, and academia.