Program Features
Relevance: With an increasing “green economy,” sustainability issues are progressively more important in both the public and private sectors. Certificate courses offer new insights on the scientific and physical dimension of sustainability, providing a vocabulary and general background in conservation science, skills for critical analysis and tools for sustainable thinking and action. This allows professionals to have important positive “green” impacts and make sound decisions in areas such as land use management, project finance, supply chains and environmental metrics, to name a few.
Flexibility: Courses are shorter in length than regular university classes. They typically run in five-week sessions with courses taking place one evening a week. To receive a certificate with an official transcript from Columbia University there is a 12-course curriculum, but anyone is welcome to register for individual classes that interest them.
University Access: The Certificate Program provides access to Columbia University talks, workshops and networking opportunities as well as library and facility use on campus. There is also the benefit of interacting with the 350+ graduates of the program at alumni meetings as well as with sustainability leaders at the many Earth Institute events throughout the year (i.e., http://www.stateoftheplanet.org/content/video).
Link to Other Programs: Successful completion of the Certificate Program’s Core Science Fundamental courses are recognized as preparation by the following graduate programs at Columbia University:
- M.P.A. in Environmental Science and Policy
- M.S. in Sustainability Management
Who should enroll?
The Certificate Program is ideal for:
- candidates with a professional and/or civic interest in environmental sustainability.
- those interested in the science behind environmental issues and cutting-edge sustainability practices.
- managers interested in translating this knowledge into sound decision making and action.
The Certificate Program attracts professionals across sectors, including finance, media, engineering, insurance, law, public policy/relations, art and design, architecture, health care, social development, construction and marketing. This program is an opportunity to learn firsthand about current developments in sustainability, increase your general knowledge about a specific topic or work toward your own professional development goals.
