Online Sustainability Graduate Certificate

Arizona State University’s online sustainability certificate prepares you to integrate sustainable thinking into a variety of fields, including education, government and nonprofit work. Upon completing this program, you’ll be well-prepared to advance in your current role or provide sustainability insight that supports your organization’s environmental footprint.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 5

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 15

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What you’ll learn in this graduate certificate program

Sustainability is a major area of growth across many industries, such as business, education, engineering and more. In this certificate, you’ll study systems thinking and solutions-based problem-solving to address sustainability challenges. You’ll also learn to communicate and collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds, preparing you to incorporate sustainability principles into any role. Additionally, this program provides you with the foundational knowledge required to integrate sustainable thinking into any academic or professional field.

Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals

 

In this sustainability certificate program, your core curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of sustainability and sustainability science, change management and sustainability leadership. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose electives that match your interests and career goals. Elective topics you can choose to explore include:

  • Clean air, energy and water.
  • Climate transformation.
  • Corporate social responsibility.
  • Human rights.
  • International development.
  • Policy.
  • Sustainable food systems.
  • Urban sustainability.

Please note you can be admitted to this certificate program with any accredited bachelor’s degree, it does not have to be in sustainability or related to sustainability specifically. This program generally attracts students who are hoping to transition into sustainability roles in their organization or have been tasked with implementing sustainability in their current role.

Should I earn a sustainability master’s or graduate certificate?

 

When deciding whether a sustainability master’s or graduate certificate is right for you, it’s important to take the time of completion and your specific career goals into account. The sustainability certificate includes 15 total credit hours, whereas the master’s program features at least 30 total credit hours.

The certificate can be taken independently as a source of professional development or as a supplement to another graduate program. If you’re a current graduate student interested in learning about sustainable concepts and how to incorporate them into areas of specialization, you may benefit from this certificate.

Additionally, non-degree seeking students can earn this certificate to learn about the field before enrolling in a full degree program. Students may be able to transfer credits from this graduate certificate into the Master of Sustainability Leadership program.

Will my certificate say "online"?

No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Sustainability certificate courses

This certificate consists of two core courses and three elective courses. Electives may be related to sustainability, your current program of study or another area of interest. The graduate certificate is designed to increase your knowledge of sustainable practices as you grow in your career.


Core

Leading Sustainability Transitions


Core

Pathways to Sustainability


Elective

Essentials for Transformative Leadership in Sustainability


Elective

Mastering the Global Sustainability Context


Elective

Strategic Sustainability and Leadership


Elective

Sustainability Storytelling and Communications


What can I do with a sustainability certificate?

As many organizations seek to implement greener initiatives, your knowledge of sustainability may be valuable across many industries, ranging from business to health care and more. You can use your skills to bring sustainable initiatives to your current organization or pursue a role in sustainability to help find new solutions. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Community engagement manager

Energy innovation specialist

Programs and education consultant

Sustainability and environmental specialist

Water resource specialist

Learn from sustainability professionals

ASU’s School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest minds and practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a vast array of disciplines, such as business and policy, renewable energy and environmental science. Through use-inspired research, our faculty strives to make our world more sustainable.

Learn from sustainability professionals

ASU’s School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest minds and practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a vast array of disciplines, such as business and policy, renewable energy and environmental science. Through use-inspired research, our faculty strives to make our world more sustainable.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability.

Application requirements

International application requirements

Study at the nation’s first School of Sustainability

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

#1


“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.
 

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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