22/07/2025
Original Article - https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/new-bachelors-degree-in-sustainability-and-environmental-conservation-at-bgu/
A hands-on, interdisciplinary degree designed to train Israel’s future leaders in sustainability, climate action, and environmental policy
The Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev was established approximately four years ago. Its mission: to tackle the challenges of our time through deep knowledge, practical experience, and cutting-edge scientific research. Now, the school is launching a Bachelor's Degree in Sustainability and Environmental Conservation, designed to equip students with essential practical tools while cultivating Israel's next generation of sustainability experts.
The core curriculum for this new Bachelor's program, set to commence in the upcoming academic year at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, will focus on environmental and natural sciences, economics and policy, and understanding human behavior. This program stems from a clear understanding of the need for comprehensive knowledge, actionable tools for solving complex problems, and professional training to foster highly sought-after sustainability experts in this rapidly evolving field.
The program is structured to ensure all students equally master the core subjects, simultaneously fostering systemic thinking and the ability to tackle complex problems from diverse perspectives. For instance, students will gain a profound understanding of ecological processes, the climate crisis, and natural resource management. This is coupled with training in economic analysis, public policy, and green economics, all while comprehending crucial social processes.
The curriculum will also integrate hands-on projects in collaboration with external organizations and fieldwork. Additionally, a unique course will facilitate collaboration among small groups of students and key stakeholders, including commercial companies, non-profit organizations, government ministries, and bodies assessing the environmental impact of current and future activities.
Throughout their studies, a strong emphasis will be placed on connecting students with the community and industry. This includes participation in professional conferences (such as Israel's Climate Conference and the UN-sponsored Desertification Conference), site visits to relevant sustainability and climate change initiatives across policy, entrepreneurship, energy, recycling, water, and agriculture, and even joint courses with the private and public sectors. These opportunities will provide invaluable exposure to diverse career paths.
"Our program trains sustainability experts with a truly holistic perspective," noted Prof. Shimon Rachmilevitch, Head of the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "The connection to the field, our unique location which enables profound and authentic research, and rare interdisciplinary combinations – all these factors empower individuals who seek to make a difference in the world. They will learn how to be part of the solution to climate and environmental challenges, blending academic knowledge with practical action."
The program's holistic design, along with the flexibility to pursue additional degrees concurrently, significantly broadens students' perspectives on sustainability. This equips graduates to excel in roles such as: sustainability management, corporate social responsibility, ESG leadership, environmental policy analysis, and sustainability and environmental conservation consulting.
Prof. Ofir Rubin, Chair of the Degree's Teaching Committee, added: "This opens an exciting opportunity to enrich the next generation's knowledge with decades of our research experience in sustainability. There is significant employment potential here in new and evolving fields of knowledge that organizations are actively seeking."
For more details, please contact: [email protected].
