Universities are called upon to focus on sustainability. Facing this challenge, the aim of this paper is to identify and discuss key elements for implementing the sustainability issue in graduate programs in Brazilian universities. The paper, then, applies a set of characteristics that work as key points for the framework of a first draft. As for the curriculum of the programs, different biotic, physical, chemical, cultural and socioeconomic aspects should be treated. As for the graduate program modus operandi, it should be interdisciplinary, looking at critical issues of interface within themes related to sustainability. To build alignment and coherence with the theme, it is necessary to progressively make operational the vision, values and principles that are present in this paradigm.