Bahçeşehir University (BAU) strategically integrates sustainability and social impact into its institutional mission, guided by the vision of “contributing to society and achieving excellence.” As both an educational institution and a responsible corporate citizen, BAU implements comprehensive educational programs aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Within this framework, BAU has adopted a university-wide educational model that embeds sustainability across all disciplines, incorporating both theoretical and practical components at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in accordance with international standards. The approach ensures that every student—regardless of their field of study—engages meaningfully with sustainability principles and their real-world applications.
To cultivate sustainability awareness and inspire behavioral change among students, BAU systematically integrates SDG-related courses into its curriculum. These courses are designed not only to enhance knowledge but also to encourage students to adopt a sustainability mindset and to act as responsible global citizens. By linking classroom learning with community engagement and applied projects, BAU fosters a culture where sustainability is a daily practice—on campus and beyond.
The university’s sustainability education model operates through the following key components:
As part of its commitment to embedding sustainability into education, BAU offers Sustainability Courses within its general elective system. According to university regulations, all students are required to complete five general elective courses prior to graduation. While four of these may be freely selected, one must be a sustainability-focused course—making sustainability education a graduation requirement for every BAU student.
These courses provide a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability and explore how environmental integrity, social equity, and economic prosperity can be balanced to build a sustainable future. Students examine local, national, and global challenges while learning about integrated and innovative strategies for sustainable development.
The courses are designed to increase students’ knowledge and awareness of sustainability on both individual and institutional levels, focusing on the following key areas:
Upon completing one of these courses, students will be able to:
Courses focused on sustainability and sustainable development goals, of which students must complete at least one in order to graduate:
EDR, an education model designed by BAU and it aims for BAU students to be individuals who are well-equipped, have different perspectives, produce solutions, have acquired the competencies of the future, are innovative and preferred in the global arena, regardless of the department they study in.
EDR is an education model designed by research and application centers that provides access to many contents; It aims for BAU students to be individuals who are well-equipped, have different perspectives, produce solutions, have acquired the competencies of the future, are innovative and preferred in the global arena, regardless of the department they study in.
BAU members closely follow sustainability, global changes and developments with the EDR model; They quickly adapt to the changes of the digital world and have career opportunities in national and international brands of their preferred sectors while continuing their education. EDR, an interdisciplinary model, supports BAU students to become more active, researcher, entrepreneur, responsible and leader individuals throughout their education life. Every BAU member has the chance to have a global vision with the EDR model!
With the EDR certificate they receive in addition to their diplomas, BAU students become prominent and noticed individuals both at the university and in the sectors they choose after graduation.
Sustainability Related EDR Programs
Health Communication Management Program: SDG 3
The aim of this certificate program is to theoretically prepare professional candidates who can implement the qualified communication studies needed in the health sector. At the end of the program, you will be taught the basic health literacy given by the Faculty of Health Sciences and the basics of health communication given by the Faculty of Communication, as well as the dynamics of social media, an indispensable medium in today's world. Thanks to the equipment they will acquire in this program, students will be able to graduate with the effective communication management skills needed in the health category
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17025-saglik-iletisimi-ve-sosyal-medya-yonetimi-programi
Healthy Living Competency Program: SDG 3
This certificate program aims to help create lasting positive changes in life and health for individuals and society. At the end of the program, students who complete their courses will have learned basic first aid practices, exercise practices and proper nutrition methods necessary to live a healthy life.
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17027-saglikli-yasam-yetkinlik-programi
Nutritional Psychology Program : SDG 3
The aim of this certificate program is to prepare professional candidates who can establish the relationship between nutritional behavior and mental health. At the end of the program, students who complete their courses will be able to realize the requirements of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of eating disorders.
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17028-beslenme-psikolojisi-programi
Interactive Methods in Improvement Competency Program: SDG 3
The aim of this certificate program is to provide students with the opportunity to manage business processes by effectively using individual and group interaction as a healthcare professional and to create new opportunities in the field of healthcare by teaching gamification methods. It is designed to train professionals with an interdisciplinary approach to the field of health through creative and interactive methods..
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17026-iyilestirmede-etkilesimli-yontemler-yetkinlik-programi
Design, Innovation and Environmental Issues: SDG 11
It is a programme that can raise awareness on design, innovation, and environmental awareness, enable students to orientate towards these fields, and aid academic research.
https://bau.edu.tr/content/17694-edr
Family Law Program: SDG 5
Our students who successfully complete different courses examining current issues related to family law are entitled to receive the "Family Law Certificate". In these lessons; The causes and consequences of divorce will be examined. In addition, the legal property regime, the regime of participation in acquired property, and the issues of lineage and guardianship will be examined.
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17696-family-law-program-sdg-5
Sustainability Program: SDG 1 - SDG 7- SDG 9
It is opened for our students who want to have deeper knowledge about sustainability, sustainable development, sustainable energy and agricultural policies. The program consists of courses covering theory and practice on relevant subjects. The program is open to all our students and those who successfully complete it will be entitled to receive a certificate in addition to their diploma.
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17697-sustainability-program-sdg-1-sdg-7-sdg-9
Intellectual and Industrial Rights Program: SDG 9
Law has an important place in life. A lawyer who wants to work in this field must also specialize. In order to contribute to the training of expert lawyers, the "Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights" certificate program is organized by Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Law. To our students; They take the industrial property law, intellectual and artistic works law and competition law courses offered at our faculty, and if they are successful, they are given an "Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Certificate" in addition to the diploma.
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17698-intellectual-and-industrial-rights-program-sdg-9
Volunteering and Social Responsibility Program: SDG 17
In order to achieve sustainable development goals, volunteering efforts and social responsibility projects that individuals, non-governmental organizations and private sector institutions come together for these goals are important. The purpose of this certificate program is to increase the awareness and knowledge levels of Bahçeşehir University students on relevant subjects. Students who successfully complete the courses specified in the program will be entitled to receive a volunteering and social responsibility certificate in addition to their diplomas. The program is open to all our students.
https://bau.edu.tr/icerik/17699-volunteering-and-social-responsibility-program-sdg-17
3.Sustainability-Oriented Compulsory and Elective Courses in the BAU Curriculum
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is deeply committed to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across its education, research, institutional policies, and operational practices. In line with this commitment, sustainability and sustainable development are embedded throughout the university’s academic programs, reflected in both compulsory and elective courses offered at various levels.
The following list presents the sustainability-focused compulsory and elective courses available within the BAU curriculum. These courses aim to equip students with the knowledge, values, and competencies required to contribute to a sustainable future. Course content and detailed information can be accessed through the respective links provided below.
ESE4103 Energy Efficiency, Economy & Environment
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/45810/program_kodu/04062101/s/7/st/M/ln/en
ESE3103 Alternative&Renewable Energy Systems I
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/45812/program_kodu/04062101/s/5/st/M/ln/en
ESE4207 Alternative&Renewable Energy Systems II
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/45808/program_kodu/04062101/s/7/st/M/ln/en
GEP0633: Environment and Sustainable Developlent
COP4401 Schneider Electric - Energy Efficiency and Savings
ESE4008 Wind Energy
ESE4102 Energy Efficiency in Buildings
ENV4401 Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment
DENT1006 Preventive Dentistry & Introduction to Public Oral and Dental Health
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/46001/program_kodu/10012101/s/1/st/M/ln/en
PRL4537 Strategic Communication and Sustainability
ARC3964 Issues in Sustainability
LAW3004 International Maritime Law and Sustainability
BES4079 Sustainable Nutrition
BES3062 Intercultural Differences in Nutrition
VCD1112 Art, Culture and Society
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/1702/program_kodu/03032101/s/2/st/M/ln/en
POL4144 Politics of Gender
SOC3005 Sociology of Gender and Family
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/9412/program_kodu/01048102/h//s/3/st/M/ln/en
LAW3081 Women's Rights
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/5843/program_kodu/05012101/h/8/s/3/st/D/ln/en
HEM3001 Women's Health and Diseases Nursing
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/12952/program_kodu/08012201/h//s/5/st/M/ln/en
ECE1002 Health, Nutrition and Resilience
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/14076/program_kodu/07042101/s/2/st/M/ln/en
ACL4001 Introduction to Women’s Studies
SOC3057 Readings in Sociology of Gender
PSY4058 Psychology of Gender
COP3433 FAO - Sustainable Food Systems
PAZ5104 Sürdürülebilir Pazarlama
CET3052 Selected Topics in Educational Sciences
COP4338 Tazefikir-Creative Thinking and Innovation
ADV4638 Innovation and Entrepreneurship
DYZ2006 Nutrition
MBG4054 Ecology
TDS2003 Public Health
COP4453 Proline – Safe and Smart Cities
ECE4040 Educational Administration in Early Childhood
EDS4010 New Media and Media Literacy in Education
ECE3202 Environmental Education in Early Childhood
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/48921/program_kodu/07042101/s/6/st/M/ln/en
COP4119 Play and Art Based Development in Early Childhood
ECE2201 School Readiness and Programs for Elementary Education
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/48916/program_kodu/07042101/s/3/st/M/ln/en
ECE3207 School Experience
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/48923/program_kodu/07042101/s/5/st/M/ln/en
ECO3577 Health Economics
ECE3104 Child's Mental Health
ECE4105 School Adaptation and Early Literacy Education
ECE3105 Approaches to Teaching in Early Childhood
COP4604 Learning Design With Microsoft Technology
CET2202 Educational Video Design
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/48914/program_kodu/07012101/s/4/st/M/ln/en
CET120 Information Technologies in Education
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/48895/program_kodu/07012101/s/1/st/M/ln/en
NTD2101 Nutritional Biochemistry I
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/41468/program_kodu/08032101/s/3/st/M/ln/en
NTD3170 Nutrition Education and Counseling
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/41482/program_kodu/08032101/s/3/st/M/ln/en
NTD3105 Assessment of Nutritional Status in Society
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/41477/program_kodu/08032101/s/5/st/M/ln/en
NTD4005 Food Legislation and Control
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/41483/program_kodu/08032101/s/7/st/M/ln/en
NTD3069 Geriatric Nutrition
BME3980 Information Technologies in Medicine
TDS2005 Health Tourism
COP4414 Siemens - Biomedical Technology Management
CEN4197 Groundwater Engineering
EAP5105 World Educational Systems
CET4054 Adult Education
EAP5103 Finance and Governance in Educational Institutions
EDS4011 Special Topics in Education I
EDT5001 Educational Technology Field, Theory and Profession
CET3054 Game Based Learning
COP4907 Hasen- Energy Politics and Strategies
ARC2082 Environmental Control Systems
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/9202/program_kodu/06022101/s/4/st/M/ln/en
ARC2933 Earth Architecture
BME2063 Biomaterials
INT2061 Human Factors and Universal Design
INT3904 Sustainable Design
INT3921 People and Environment
ESE5502 Sustainable Energy Systems
ARC5406 Critical Thinking in Sustainable Design
SGS5016 Agricultural Production Systems and Sustainable Farming
ARC3965 Green Architecture
SOC3072 Sociology of Migration
COP4405 Nature - Health and Safety Management
ECE4050 Teaching Children’s Rights
ENM4103 Technology and Innovation Management
GAD5106 Games and Education
ECE3001 Language, Arts and Literature for Young Children
EAP5104 Conflict Management in Educational Institutions
LAW3082 İnsan Hakları
https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/5751/program_kodu/05012101/h//s/6/st/M/ln/tr
LAW2006 Hayvan Hakları
LAW2158 Tüketicinin Reklamlara Karşı Korunması
LAW3065 İnsani Hukuk https://akts.bau.edu.tr/bilgipaketi/index/ders/ders_id/5840/program_kodu/05012101/h/8/s/3/st/D/ln/tr
LAW3014 Hukuki Yönleriyle Gıda, Tarım ve Göç
BA3568 Sustainable Management
BA4023 Industrial Ecology
BA4455 Social Impact Management
BA4453 Corporate Social Responsibility
ADV3618 Advertising and Society
ALD5019 Child Health and Care
COP4331 Tazefikir Health Communication
PRL4532 Corporate Social Responsibility
PRL4537 Strategic Communication for Sustainability
GEP0201 City and Culture
GEP1634 Exploring the Future of Agriculture
GEP0609 Alliance of Civilizations
ACL4002 Ethnic Literature
AHZ2010 Health Law
FTV5001 Horror, Gender and Society
KHK5236 Gender Mainstreaming
SOH5015 Social Gender and Social Services
4.Sustainability-Oriented Training and Certificate Programs
BAU – CIFAL Istanbul, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Sustainability School
The Sustainability School, jointly developed by Bahçeşehir University (BAU), CIFAL Istanbul, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), represents one of BAU’s flagship education and research initiatives designed to advance sustainability literacy and leadership. The program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainability principles into professional, academic, and community contexts.
The comprehensive curriculum, designed and delivered by BAU faculty members, is built on a hybrid and lifelong learning model that combines online flexibility with interactive, experience-based education
Participants engage with a total of 12 modules, 48 hours covering topics such as environmental and social sustainability, circular economy, green innovation, ESG management, sustainable finance, responsible supply chains, and sustainability communication
The program is conducted entirely in partnership with UNITAR and grants a jointly accredited international certificate, signed by Bahçeşehir University, CIFAL Istanbul, and UNITAR, ensuring that learners gain globally recognized credentials in sustainable development education
Through its applied learning approach, the Sustainability School empowers professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, students and broader public to act as sustainability leaders capable of designing innovative and responsible strategies for the future.
Detailed information about the program and its modules can be accessed via the link BAUPRO Sustainability School publication.
https://bausem.bau.edu.tr/public/files/surdurulebilirlik-okulu.pdf
BAU Sustainability Literacy Certificate Program
Bahçeşehir University (BAU), in partnership with UNITAR–CIFAL Istanbul and the BAU Continuing Education Center (BAUSEM), offers the Sustainability Literacy Certificate Program to strengthen awareness and understanding of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The program aims to internalize the principles and practices of sustainability among individuals and institutions, providing foundational knowledge on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implementation across different sectors.
https://bausem.bau.edu.tr/egitim/surdurulebilirlik-okuryazarligi.html
BAU Sustainable Living Certificate Program
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) offers the Sustainable Living Certificate Program, designed to raise individual and collective awareness on sustainability and responsible lifestyle practices.
The program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of how everyday choices impact the planet and emphasizes the importance of sustainable behaviors in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through this training, participants explore topics such as climate change, resource efficiency, and environmentally responsible consumption. The program encourages each individual to take an active role in building a more sustainable society and promotes the adoption of lifelong sustainable habits that contribute to a healthier planet.
https://bausem.bau.edu.tr/egitim/surdurulebilir-yasam.html
BAU Sustainable Marketing and Sustainable Brands Certificate Program
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) offers the Sustainable Marketing and Sustainable Brands Certificate Program, developed to enhance understanding of sustainability-driven marketing strategies and their role in today’s global business environment.
The program explores how sustainability principles can be integrated into brand management and marketing practices to create long-term value for both businesses and society. Participants learn how sustainable approaches can strengthen corporate reputation, build consumer trust, and drive competitiveness in increasingly conscious markets.
5.Online Sustainability Education
Sustainability-oriented training programs developed by Bahçeşehir University faculty members and the university’s Distance Education Unit (BAUGO) aim to enhance students’ awareness and understanding of sustainability. The program is conducted annually through the collaboration of BAU, CIFAL Istanbul, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Each year, the courses determined within the scope of the program are offered free of charge to BAU students. Participants who successfully complete all course requirements are entitled to receive an official certificate, demonstrating their competence and commitment to sustainability education.
These trainings offer comprehensive insights into the principles and practices of sustainable development, addressing its environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Designed to equip students with the knowledge and competencies necessary to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century, the programs emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application of sustainability concepts.
A collection of sustainability training videos is made available to all BAU students, providing accessible and engaging learning materials that support their academic and personal development.
This comprehensive Sustainability Certificate Program, developed by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) academics, offers participants a structured and engaging learning experience that deepens their understanding of sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program explores the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications to equip participants with the skills needed to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Comprising 12 modules and 99 sections, the training provides an integrated framework for understanding sustainability from multiple perspectives—linking global principles with local practices. By completing the program, participants strengthen their sustainability literacy, gain actionable insights, and build the capacity to contribute effectively to sustainable transformation in their professional and personal spheres.
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