Exploring the relationship between university students’ programme of study and orientation to environmental sustainability: the case of Al Baha University

Abstract

Universities are urged to promote environmental sustainability on campus and in nearby communities due to the growing desire for a sustainable society and their unique role as change agents. This research study explores the relationship between university students' programme of study and their orientation to environmental sustainability et al. Baha University in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether specific academic disciplines shape undergraduate students' attitudes and engagement with sustainable practices, and if variations exist across disciplines at the university. The study used a Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to gather data on the association between students’ fields of study and orientation to environmental sustainability from a sample of 943 students at Al Baha University in Saudi Arabia who were randomly chosen from various programmes and levels of study. The data was collected face-to-face and electronically in 2021 and analysed using the Pearson Chi-Square (Χ2) test for independence at a 5% level of probability through IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21.0 software. The findings revealed a significant association between the university student’s programme of study and their orientation to environmental sustainability. Students from environmentally-focused disciplines exhibited higher levels of environmental sustainability orientation compared to others. The implications of these findings suggest the need for tailored sustainability initiatives and curriculum interventions across academic disciplines to foster a culture of sustainability within universities. By integrating sustainability-focused courses, and facilitating faculty development, educational institutions can inspire and empower students across all fields of study to actively contribute to environmental sustainability.

Minds and Megawatts: University Students’ Engagement with Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Practices

“…Data were gathered quantitatively from 943 students at a Saudi Arabian university representing various programs and years of study. The findings indicated that students in environmentally-themed programs and courses demonstrated a higher level of commitment to sustainability than students in other programs (Alsharif & Ofori-Darko, 2024 have also revealed positive correlation between knowledge on sustainability and the adoption of its practice (Abhayawansa et al, 2021;Kalsoom, 2018;Kim et al, 2019). Studies on sources of sustainability knowledge points towards the importance of providing information and access to information in promoting sustainability (Al-Nuaimi & Al-Ghamdi, 2022;Mohamed et al, 2024).…”

“…The most common research focus involves examining the effectiveness of sustainability-related courses in bringing about the intended shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. A study by Alsharif and Ofori-Darko (2024), for instance, explored the influence of specific university programs and disciplines on their students' attitudes and engagement towards sustainability. Data were gathered quantitatively from 943 students at a Saudi Arabian university representing various programs and years of study.…”