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Graduate Certificate in
Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Next ArrowFORMAT
Fully Online
Next ArrowTOTAL CREDITS 12
Next ArrowCREDENTIALS Certificate
Next Arrow COST PER CREDIT $753.00
NEXT APPLICATION DATE:
May 01, 2025

About this Program


Analyze environmental problems and use those results to facilitate positive change. This online certificate program allows you to increase your skills in environmental policy, legislation, advocacy, corporate partnership and action.

Graduates of our program are prepared for positions in the corporate, government, and non-governmental worlds as a sustainability manager, corporate sustainability specialist, or one of many other fast growing environmental and sustainability professions.

Designed For

This program is appropriate for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in environmental management, sustainable practices, and policy development. Prospective students often come from diverse backgrounds including environmental science, policy, engineering, or business, and aim to address environmental challenges through practical solutions and interdisciplinary approaches.

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Graduate Certificate in Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Offered by the College of Arts and Sciences

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Learn more about the Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies online program.

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What You’ll Learn


21st Century Careers in Environmental and Sustainability Fields

The online Graduate Certificate in Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies prepares graduates for positions in the corporate, government, and non-governmental worlds as a sustainability manager, corporate sustainability specialist, or one of many other fast growing environmental and sustainability professions. Students take a total of 12 credit-hours of graduate coursework. This consists of 9 credit-hours in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a methods/skills elective.
 

Focus Areas

  • Analyze complex environmental and sustainability issues from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Critical thinking skills to create sustainability solutions to the planet's environmental challenges
  • Effectively communicate environmental issues and sustainability solutions through scientific and non-scientific writing
  • Recognize and engage in practices that work toward social and environmental justice

Course Examples

  • ENS 601 Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Issues and Ideas
  • ENS 602 Environment and Sustainability Policy an Governance
  • ENS 603 Communicating Environmental and Sustainability Studies

GOT QUESTIONS?

Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.

How to Apply

Admissions Criteria

  • Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics. 
  • An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
  • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.

Application Requirements

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Program Contact

Michael Samers
Director of Graduate Studies

Deadlines

Fall 2025

Application Due Date:
05/01/2025
Start Date:
08/25/2025

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:
11/01/2024
Start Date:
01/13/2025

Why UK Online

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. 

One tuition rate Icon Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Flexible schedule Icon Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Be Supported Icon Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

The only degree needed to enroll in a graduate certificate program is a bachelor's degree.

Yes, graduate certificates can be  taken by themselves. Our graduate certificate programs are designed to allow students to gain very specific skills and knowledge in a shorter amount of time than our degree programs in similar areas. Certificate programs can be useful to your career by itself, or when coupled with a degree-bearing program. This choice is completely up to the student.

Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.

Tuition

Federal financial aid is not available to students who only enroll in a certificate program.

The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.

For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.

Online Learning

No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.

It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:

Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.

Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.

Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.

If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.

No, there is no on-campus requirement.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!

Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.

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University of Kentucky has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

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