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.