The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development (GCSD) is accepting applications for 2011-2012.
Admissions for the program are open. Please Contact Us for more information.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Development (GCSD) is designed to enable students and professionals to identify, explore and formulate best practices in Sustainability. The practice-oriented certificate provides a multi-disciplinary method for students to become scholar practitioners and to understand sustainability practices, processes, methods and measurements.
The certificate is structured to provide a vehicle for articulating and integrating Sustainable Development into practical and professional applications. The certificate is designed to meet the needs of professionals who are already working in industry, those who plan to transition to clean energy careers, as well as entrepreneurs. It also enables students to transition into a higher-level graduate degree in related topics.
Learning Outcomes
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.
GCSD graduates will have the following attributes:
KNOWLEDGE: Mastery of the conceptual and theoretical elements of sustainability, energy management and its practices, processes, methods and measurements
GCSD graduates will have a mastery of the body of knowledge, including an understanding of broad conceptual and theoretical elements, in sustainability. This includes an understanding of:
- 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
- understanding of relationship between human activity and the natural environment
- appreciation of the interdisciplinary and systemic aspect of the field
THINKING AND INQUIRY: Articulate efficiency measures, renewable energy mix, regulatory requirements, and tools to perform energy and carbon audits
GCSD graduates will have 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
GCSD graduates will recognize when information is needed and have the capacity to 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 sustainability and energy management policies, legislation, innovations and ideologies
GCSD 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 manage the integration of sustainable energy management into organizational practices as responsible citizens and community members
GCSD graduates will possess an understanding values and attitudes consistent with their roles as responsible citizens and members of their communities as demonstrated by 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
Assessing Student Learning
Students will be required to complete 12 credits (4 courses) towards completion of the degree.
Students will also be required to complete a comprehensive e-portfolio demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes.
