Skip to main content
UCLA X icon logo

Sustainability

building with a living wall

Pursue a career with a greater purpose and establish yourself as a leader in the sustainability movement. Meet the growing demand for knowledgeable professionals in renewable energies and the sustainable practices, a driving force in our economy. Formats: Online | In-Person

View Schedule of Courses
Courses
3 Required
2 Elective
Methods
Online
F-1 Visa Eligible

Get More Info

 

This program is perfect for...

Individuals interested in exploring the dynamic field of sustainability
Those seeking knowledge and skills to become better global citizens
Purpose-driven professionals who want to acquire new skills and review best practices
Professionals in a wide range of disciplines, such as Environmental Affairs Officers, Business Development Managers, City Planners, Waste and Facility Management Professionals, Political Strategists, Corporate and Product Sustainability Managers, Renewable Energy Sales Associates

What you can learn.

Study environmental systems and the human impact on the environment
Explore individual and group roles in sustainability, and the need for collaboration to meet social, economic and ecological responsibilities
Identify practical tools, measure performance and review best practices of the business aspect of sustainability
Acquire key skills in environmental and energy consulting, green investments and marketing, green building project design, renewable energy, climate change, public policy and more

Invest your energy into a sustainable future.

The field of sustainability is complex, interdisciplinary, and full of promise for the future. As environmental considerations become top of mind for individuals and businesses, sustainability is a field that has important local and far-reaching significance.

The UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate prepares individuals to make a substantial impact in the world through a course of study that provides a practical, comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation for new to mid-level career professionals.

Format: Courses are offered in a mix of online and in person formats.

Duration: Complete the certificate in as little as 6 months. Typical pace is 1 year. Start any quarter.

sustainability career woman

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

Learn more:

Academic excellence & real-world experience

Through this 20-unit program, you will enhance your skill set in areas including environmental and energy consultancy, green investment and marketing, green building project design, service learning, renewable energy, environmental compliance, climate change, and water resource policy.

The program is taught by instructors who are experts in their respective fields, and courses are designed for practical real-world application.

The Sustainability Certificate program offers a balanced and comprehensive curriculum, making the certificate transferable across industries. Previous graduates have moved on to careers in the following areas and organizations:

  • Deputy of Environmental Affairs & Sustainability for a Los Angeles City Council Member
  • Electrical Engineer at Burbank Water & Power
  • Marketing Manager at Solar World
  • Office of Environmental Planning and Compliance, Grand Canyon National Park
  • Senior Education Solutions Representative at Waste Management
  • Sustainability Analyst, greeNG, Northrop Grumman Corporation

There are many career opportunities that are directly tied to sustainability throughout the private, public, and non-profit sectors. There are also many ways to integrate sustainability into your existing work. Learn more by visiting UCLA's webpage on Careers in Sustainability.

man in white shirt on laptop
Join Us!

Virtual Open House

Learn how our programs in sustainability and environmental studies can help you achieve your career goals in this informative online session, with an opportunity for Q&A.

Register Today

Get Started

Step 1: Enroll in a Course
Courses in this program are open enrollment and paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program.
See Courses
Have questions? Talk to an Academic Advisor
Step 2: Become a Candidate
Establish candidacy in the certificate program to receive tailored information, lock in course requirements, and gain access to exclusive student benefits. Registration Fee: $200
Apply Now
Important Note for International Students: Candidacy fees are included in your program fees and do not need to be paid separately.

Cost and Fees

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.
Application and Candidacy Fee
$200
Estimated Textbooks and Materials
$383
Estimated Program Tuition
$4500

International Student Fees format icon

Payment Options

Please Note: Of the three required courses, Principles of Sustainability I must be completed before you take Principles of Sustainability II and III.

Required Courses

Elective Courses

Customize your experience

Electives

Students must complete two elective courses.
MGMT X 403

Strategic Social Impact

This course offers each student the opportunity to create and develop a “Startup Company” deploying practical social entrepreneurship tools while taking advantage of expert guidance along the way. 
View Course
ENVIRON X 405

Supply Chain Sustainability

This course looks at how we integrate environmentally, socially, and financially viable practices into an organization’s complete product as well as manage the supply base for innovation.

View Course
PUB PLC X 495

Sustainability Internship

This internship course provides students with a unique experiential learning opportunity in the sustainability industry, all while being guided and mentored by an instructor. In order to enroll in this course, student must secure their own internship site.
View Course

A Sustainability Internship can provide you with practical experience in a variety of job functions related to environmental sustainability.

Certificate students must complete three of the five courses in the program before applying for the internship.

Learn More

business professionals in a meeting

Become a leader in sustainable practices.

The UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate is an interdiciplinary program examining the major elements that impact the environment on a daily basis, such as our use of water, air, land, energy, and transportation. Explore the latest sustainable intiatives aimed at protecting our environment, while driving innovation.

Download our brochure, or contact us for more information.

Download Brochure

Invested In Your Success

Have questions or need guidance?

Contact Us
Talk to an Advisor