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

SEE COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM

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 through a course of study that provides a practical, comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation for new to mid-level career professionals.

Format: This certificate can be completed 100% online or in-person. Courses are offered in online and classroom (currently remote) formats.

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

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.

Career Paths

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

Sustainability Certificate Advisory Board

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

Expect more from your education.

Learn from Industry Leaders

Study under UCLA's first Chief Sustainability Officer.

Meet 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

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

Courses

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

Required (3)

Elective (2)

Required Courses

Principles of Sustainability I: Introduction

ENVIRON X 400

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Principles of Sustainability II: Current Issues and Case Studies

MGMT X 401

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Principles of Sustainability III: Stakeholders and Engaging Communities

ENVIRON X 402

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Electives

Students must complete two elective courses.

Urban Food Production

BIOLGY X 489.6

Greener Gardens: Sustainable Garden Practice

BIOLGY X 498.10

Typically Offered: Summer

Building a Garden Ecology with California Natives

BIOLGY X 499.3A

Typically Offered: Fall

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

C&EE X 438.8

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Sustainable Energy Management

C&EE X 438.9

Typically Offered: Winter

The Solar Energy Solution: Harnessing Solar Power in the Home and Office

EC ENGR X 425.10

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

The Ocean Environment: An Ecosystem Perspective

ENVIRON X 14

Typically Offered: Spring

Environmental Sociology

ENVIRON XL M133

Typically Offered: Summer

Supply Chain Sustainability

ENVIRON X 405

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Earth's Physical Environment

GEOG XL 1

Typically Offered: Winter

People and the Earth's Ecosystems

GEOG XL 5

Typically Offered: Fall

Strategic Social Impact

MGMT X 403

Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Integrating Sustainability into Financial Reporting

MGMT X 423.423

Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Global Business Practices in Sustainability

MGMT X 481.5

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Renewable Energy Economics and Policy

PUB PLC X 460.5

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment

PUB PLC X 461

Typically Offered: Winter, Summer

Food Justice

PUB PLC X 477

Typically Offered: Winter

Sustainable Food and Agriculture

PUB PLC X 478

Typically Offered: Summer

Sustainability Internship

PUB PLC X 495

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Food Studies Graduate Certificate Colloquium

URBN PL XLC 216

see all courses

Download Certificate Planner

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

Apply Now

*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.

Internships
Available

Approved for
International Visa

VA Benefit
Eligible

Federal
Financial Aid

**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.

Internship Opportunities

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

International Students

This certificate is approved for international students (F-1 student visa).

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

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

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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