Curriculum
Required:
- SUS 500 Sustainable Development: Theory and Practice (Core)
- SUS 520 Strategic Sustainability Leadership (Capstone)
Choose 2 Electives:
- SUS 515 Sustainable Systems Solution
- SUS 505 Energy Management
- SUS 510 Carbon Management
- POL 560 Environmental Consequences of Globalization
- POL 661 Environmental Law
- MGT 600 Business Law and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Sustainability Internship
Total number of required credits: 12 (2 required and 2 elective)
Objectives
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth seeks to be recognized for its integrated innovative teaching that prepares its graduates to succeed in a complex, changing and globally competitive world. Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development will have the following attributes:
Knowledge
A mastery of the body of knowledge, including broad conceptual and theoretical elements in sustainability. This includes:
- philosophical bases, methodologies and characteristics of sustainability scholarship and research
- advanced concepts and theories in strategic sustainable development
- current issues and debates in sustainability including international and comparative perspectives
- the relationship between human activity and the natural environment
- appreciation of the interdisciplinary and systemic aspect of the field
- methods for solving sustainability related problems
Thinking and Inquiry
The capacity for critical, conceptual and reflective thinking and inquiry including a demonstrated ability to:
- Evaluate underlying assumptions and theories on sustainable development in research-based literatures
- Apply action-based research methodologies to sustainable development problems
- Develop, evaluate and use sustainable development models and conceptual frameworks
- Ability to apply knowledge to sustainable development problems
- Understand the need for creative and innovative solutions to sustainable development problems
Managing Information
Explore, develop and apply information necessary to sustainability and energy management practices, processes, methods and measurements to practical and professional applications. Locate, evaluate and use this information effectively through the use of:
- advanced analytical and research skills
- qualitative and quantitative data analysis
- contemporary information technologies
- ability to evaluate information pertinent to sustainability in diverse contexts
Communication
Articulate and possess knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to contribute to and communicate sustainable management policies, legislation, innovations and ideologies. Graduates will be able to communicate knowledge, ideas, recommendations and decisions effectively to diverse audiences through:
- development of research-informed coherent and compelling arguments on issues related to sustainable development
- advanced level of oral and written communication at technical and popular levels
- professional presentations including use of contemporary communication technologies
- reporting and presenting the findings of research and its application to sustainable development
Values and Attitudes
Possess and understand the values and attitudes necessary to lead and integrate sustainable management into organizational practices as responsible citizens and community members; Demonstrate a desire for life-long learning and ability to:
- work independently and in collaboration with others
- develop self-discipline and ability to plan to achieve personal and professional goals
- demonstrate personal and professional integrity and an awareness of the requirements of sustainability and ethical behavior
- interact effectively with and show sensitivity towards others including those of different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities
- appreciate the responsibilities of citizenship and an ability to exercise leadership in communities of interest.
- demonstrate adaptability and flexibility of approach to problems
Online programs and courses are offered by the Departments and Colleges of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth through UMass Dartmouth University Extension.
