College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)

Formed in 2010, the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) was established as a land-grant college at the University of the District of Columbia. Through applied teaching and research, our mission has been to improve the lives and economic opportunities of residents in our area and beyond. From hands-on learning to cutting-edge research, UDC-CAUSES offers academic degree and community education pathways for every stage of your journey.

Academic Programs: Bachelor's through Doctoral degrees
Community Workshops: Online, Hybrid & On-Campus
Research Initiatives: Urban Farms, Labs & Green Roof
Community Resources: Land-grant Centers & Urban Food Hubs
Farmers Markets
Youth Development Programs

Apply Now!CAUSES AT-A-GLANCE

Featured Events

Amy Schweitzer presenting during UDC Research Week 2025.

Research week 2026

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 12 p.m.

Join the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences for Research Day as part of UDC Research Week 2026, featuring poster presentations and oral research talks highlighting innovative work across agriculture, nutrition, environmental science, and architecture.

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Roxane Chidlaw, UDC-CAUSES Alumna, presenting research.

14th Annual AWRA National Capital Region Water Resources Symposium

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 8 a.m.

The 14th Annual National Capital Region Water Resources Symposium will be held at the University of the District of Columbia Van Ness Campus. This one-day symposium brings together experts from governmental agencies, academia, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities for sustainable management of water resources and infrastructure in the region, as well as nationally and internationally.

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Land-Grant Centers

People at the UDC-CAUSES Van Ness Farmer's Market

Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure

Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure (CURII) provides relevant and innovative applied research and education to make our cities and communities more resilient, equitable, and sustainable. CURII thought leadership helps urban communities become more sustainable and resilient.

Learn more about CURII

Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education

Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE) seeks to expand academic and public knowledge of sustainable farming techniques that improve food and water security. The center also seeks to improve the health and wellness of people in the local community and worldwide.

Learn more about CUAGE

Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health

The Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health (CDNH) offers high-quality, research-based community outreach programs that combat systemic urban nutrition and health issues. CNDH is dedicated to educating residents on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and preventing obesity, heart disease and other health threats.

Learn more about CNDH

Healthy Cities, Healthy People

About UDC-CAUSES

Mission and Vision

Learn about our mission and student experience!

Mission and Vision

Welcome from the Dean

Welcome to the University of the District of Columbia's College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences!

Read the Dean's Message

Faculty and Staff

Connect with our world class faculty and staff!

Faculty and Staff

UDC Resources

In addition to the degrees and land-grant center opportunities, we encourage you to access our college's resources from media and research reports to workshops and other forms of training. For more information about CAUSES, call 202-274-7124 or email causes@udc.edu.