The online Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy offers an excellent opportunity to achieve advanced knowledge and professional certification in the formulation and implementation of policies that achieve sustainable operations. It gives students a foundation in public policy and the environment while introducing students to environmental issues of local, state, regional, national, and global concern.
View the video overview of the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy, explaining the program and highlighting the website resources.
All applicants to the Environmental Policy Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program must fulfill the program's Admissions requirements. The links provided describe in detail what applicants must do and provide in order to be admitted into the program.
Goals
The Certificate in Environmental Policy introduces students to environmental issues of local, state, regional, national, and global concern and strives:
- To provide an understanding of the major ecological issues
- To develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills with an emphasis on policy analysis
- To foster the development and implementation of environmentally sound policies and practices
Successful completion of the certificate should enhance a student's current career or aid in the development of new job skills.
Curriculum
Courses in Environmental Policy further students' critical analysis skills through combined study of ecological issues and equitable policy practices.
Two (2) Required Courses:
POL 500 - Public Institutions and the Policy Process
POL 562 - Environmental Policy
Choose two (2) electives from the following list:
POL 560 - Environmental Consequences of Globalization
POL 611 - Administrative Law
PST 661 - Environmental Law
POL 663 - Ocean Policy and Law
To view all course descriptions, visit our course catalog. Students can complete the certificate online within two semesters.
Examples of detailed lectures and syllabi for certain courses in the environmental policy program/concentration can be viewed here.
Schedule of Course Offerings
Fall:
- POL 500 Public Institutions & the Policy Process
- POL 663 Ocean Policy and Law
- Sometimes POL 560 Environmental Consequences of Globalization
Winter:
- POL 611 Administrative Law
Spring:
- POL 500 Public Institutions & the Policy Process
- POL 562 Environmental Policy
- POL 661 Environmental Law (or POL 560 Environmental Consequences of Globalization)
Summer:
- POL 661 Environmental Law (or POL 611 Administrative Law)
Attention Students: Course offering schedules are subject to change, and in such cases this information will be updated. Any changes in schedule will respect the commitment that a student can complete the certificate in two semesters.
Contact Us
For additional information concerning the Environmental Policy Certificate, please contact the program faculty advisor:
Professor Chad McGuire, JD, LL.M.
cmcguire@umassd.edu
