In order to understand contemporary environmental issues, today’s scholars must transcend historical academic disciplinary boundaries. Indeed, complex issues related to energy, climate change, species preservation, and air and water quality are best addressed by valuing insights from multiple perspectives. The Graduate Certificate Program in Environment, Policy, and Society allows students the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary exploration of these contemporary environmental problems by drawing from courses across a wide range of social science disciplines. The certificate curriculum incorporates courses from many departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, including anthropology, biology, economics, geography, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. In addition, pertinent courses are available in the College of Architecture and Planning, the Leeds School of Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the School of Law. Tracks are available in:
Students will be expected to complete the interdisciplinary cornerstone course, an integrative capstone course, and 9–12 hours from the menu of courses available for each track.
Admission to the certificate program is open to students in any regular graduate degree program at the University of Colorado. A limited number of individuals already holding master’s or doctoral degrees from other institutions may be admitted, provided they meet the normal admission requirements of a participating department.
To receive the certificate, students must complete 18 hours of approved course work, including 6 hours of cornerstone/capstone seminars. At least 12 of the 18 hours must be in courses outside the department in which the student is currently enrolled. The certificate is awarded to recognize the additional course work beyond that required for the student’s regular degree program. Hence, transfer credit for courses taken elsewhere may not be counted toward certificate requirements.
For more information, please consult the Environmental Studies Program website at envs.colorado.edu.