certificate

Sustainability

Do you want a career with a greater purpose? Rise to the challenge and establish yourself as a leader in the important sustainability movement. Sustainable initiatives have become a driving force in the economy, and demand is growing for knowledgeable professionals in renewable energies and sustainable practices. Formats: Online | In-Person

This program is perfect for...

  • Individuals interested in exploring the dynamic field of sustainability
  • Those who want knowledge and skills to be better global citizens
  • Purpose-driven professionals who want to stay up-to-date in their current position
  • 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.

  • Environmental systems and the interrelationship and effect of humans upon the environment
  • Explore individual and group roles in sustainability, and the interconnectedness and necessity of collaboration between social, economic, and ecological responsibilities
  • Learn business aspects of sustainability by identifying practical tools, measuring performance, and reviewing best practices
  • Acquire 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.

sustainability career woman

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.

UCLA Extension’s Sustainability Certificate prepares individuals to make a big 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 (F-1 student visa).

    It is recommended that international students start this program in Fall quarter.

    This program does NOT qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

     

    Students participating in courses offered solely by UCLA Extension must meet the English Language Requirements outlined below. Any international student interested in taking classes on UCLA’s main campus must adhere to the English Requirements outlined for UCLA courses.

    Acceptable tests and minimum scores

    Scores that are equal to or higher than the listed minimum scores from the following tests, taken within the past two years, can satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

    • TOEFL: 80 (iBT)
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • iTEP: 4.5
    • CAE: B (CEFR C1)
    • CPE: C (CEFR C2)
    • TOEIC: 685
    • DUOLINGO (DET): 105

     

    While no other type of test score is accepted in general, students who are affected by test center closures may request an exception to submit an alternate test score.

    International Baccalaureates (IB) students or students currently enrolled in an academic institution where the primary language of instruction is English may submit an official academic transcript or verification of enrollment from their school as proof of English proficiency.

    Learn more:

    International Students: How to Apply

    Academic Requirements & English Language Proficiency

    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 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

     

     

    Expect more from your education.

    Learn from Industry Leaders

    Study under UCLA's first Chief Sustainability Officer.

    Nurit Katz
    UCLA Approved

    Our course curriculum is developed in cooperation with the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES) at UCLA.

    The IoES moves science to action on the front lines of environmental progress, seeking solutions for the broader world.

    As an instructor in the Sustainability program, I get the opportunity to empower students and working professionals to make impactful change. It is an extraordinary experience to stand in front of a classroom filled with bright students and professionals from 15+ countries and work through tackling the globe’s most pressing issues together. 

    Misha Kouzeh
    Sustainability Instructor
    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.

    Next event:
    Friday, March 10, 2023 | 12:00-1:00 PM PT

    Register Today

    Courses

    Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

    Required Courses
    ENVIRON X 400
    Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
    MGMT X 401
    Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
    ENVIRON X 402
    Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
    Electives
    Students must complete two elective courses.
    BIOLGY X 489.6
    BIOLGY X 498.10
    Typically Offered: Summer
    BIOLGY X 499.3A
    Typically Offered: Fall
    C&EE X 438.8
    Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
    C&EE X 438.9
    Typically Offered: Winter
    EC ENGR X 425.10
    Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
    ENVIRON X 14
    Typically Offered: Spring
    ENVIRON XL M133
    Typically Offered: Summer
    ENVIRON X 405
    Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
    GEOG XL 1
    Typically Offered: Winter
    GEOG XL 5
    Typically Offered: Fall
    MGMT X 403
    Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
    MGMT X 423.423
    Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
    MGMT X 481.5
    Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
    PUB PLC X 460.5
    Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
    PUB PLC X 461
    Typically Offered: Winter, Summer
    PUB PLC X 477
    Typically Offered: Winter
    PUB PLC X 478
    Typically Offered: Summer
    PUB PLC X 495
    Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
    see all courses

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

    Estimated Cost Breakdown

    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 & Candidacy Fee

    250.00

    Estimated Program Tuition

    3725.00

    Estimated program textbook/materials

    320.00

    *The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

    **Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

    The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

    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

    Contact Us

    Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
    Ready to start
    your future?
    By signing up, you agree to UCLA Extension’s Privacy Policy.

    vector icon of building

    Corporate Education

    Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

    Learn More

    vector icon of building

    Donate to UCLA Extension

    Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

    Innovation Programs

    Student Scholarships

    Coding Boot Camp

    Lifelong Learning