Sustainability
Sustainability
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
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What you can learn.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Cost and Fees
International Student Fees
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
Principles of Sustainability I: Introduction
Principles of Sustainability II: Current Issues and Case Studies
Principles of Sustainability III: Stakeholders and Engaging Communities
Elective Courses
Electives
Climate Change, Energy and the Environment
Earth's Physical Environment
Environmental Sociology
This course focuses on the relationship between society and the environment. Detailed analysis of interrelations between social factors and environmental factors.
Food Justice
Global Business Practices in Sustainability
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.
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.
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