certificate

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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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

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 498.10
Typically Offered: Summer
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

200.00

Estimated Program Tuition

4250.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

381.00

*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

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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.
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