Important Note: Of the three required courses, Principles of Sustainability I must be completed BEFORE a student takes Principles of Sustainability II and III.
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.
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 around them through a course of study that provides a practical, comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation for new to mid-level career professionals.
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.
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What our certificates have done for our students.
85%
feel a certificate helped them enhance their careers
1 in 4
received a salary increase after starting a certificate program
50%
switched careers after completing a certificate program
85%
recommend a certificate program to others
Source: UCLA Extension Certificate Graduates Study
Expect more from your education.
Curriculum 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
Courses
Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.
Required Courses
Electives
Students must complete two elective courses.
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.
**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.
An internship in sustainability 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.
The Sustainability certificate is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).
It is recommended that internatinal students start this program in Fall quarter.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting test scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or iTEP. Some applicants may be exempt from this requirement if certain criteria are met.
English language proficiency (minimum*):
- TOEFL iBT: 83
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
- iTEP Academic-Plus: 4.5
*Admitted international students whose test scores are below 100 on TOEFL iBT, 7.0 on the IELTS Academic, or 5.1 on the iTEP Academic-Plus will be required to take 1-2 supplemental English as a Second Language courses.
Learn more:
James Bassett, Professor, Cal Poly Pomona
Nurit Katz, Chief Sustainability Officer UCLA, Facilities Management, Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor
Cully Nordby, Academic Director, UCLA Institute of the Environment
Leo Costantino, Continuing Educator, Business Management and Legal Programs, UCLA Extension
Scott Hutchinson, Continuing Educator, Arts, UCLA Extension
Varaz Shahmirian, Department Director, Engineering and Technology, UCLA Extension
Stephanie Landregan, Continuing Educator, Arts, UCLA Extension
Sarah Abramson Sikich, Coastal Resources Director, Heal the Bay
Sepand Samzadeh, BASC, MBA, CEO, Valley Recycling
Become a leader in sustainable pratices.
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.
Contact Us
Speak to a program representative. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
