Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Sustainability
Request Information
We’ll send you the program guide and connect you with an enrollment adviser.
Achieve sustainability goals with environmental science.
Earn your Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Wisconsin—100% online.
In the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate, you’ll learn about the interrelationship between human behavior and the environment, energy systems, and emerging technologies.
You’ll explore topics, such as:
-
- carbon budgeting and reporting,
- role of humans in creating and solving climate change,
- biodiversity and ecology,
- energy systems including nuclear, fossil fuels, wind, solar, biofuels, and biomass,
- renewable energy and emerging technology,
- systems thinking,
- natural resource management.
The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate is offered through the University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management. Courses and credits earned in the certificate apply to the bachelor’s degree should you choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student.
Courses are entirely online—asynchronous, with zero on-campus, virtual, or in-person meeting requirements—an ideal format for busy professionals. Watch lectures, participate in online forums with your classmates, and—although assignments have deadlines—do homework whenever it’s convenient for you. Learn more about online learning with UW.
Earn your bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate in sustainability ONLINE with the University of Wisconsin.
Who Should Apply?
Students enroll in our certificate programs for a variety of reasons, including to learn new skills that help them advance in their current field, gain a competitive edge in the job market, or change careers. Our certificate programs can also serve as preparation for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate offers value to professionals working in a variety of fields, such as: sustainability, facilities/operations, landscaping and grounds maintenance, public health/human services, waste management, education, government and public policy, business, architecture/design, urban planning, and more.
Learn more about admission requirements and applying to the program.
Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration
The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate is a partnership of UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, and UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission to the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate does not require an application fee, transcripts, or prerequisites. Please review the following information before completing the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application.
Application Deadline
Your online application and all required materials must be submitted to your preferred home campus generally 2-4 weeks prior to the date classes start (this varies by campus) to be considered for admission.
International Guidelines
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S., but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation, contact your preferred home campus admissions office.
If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through Go Wisconsin.
How to Apply
While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.
Step 1. Choose a home campus from the program partners: UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, or UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Step 2. Visit the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application to login or create an account.
- Apply to your home campus as an “Undergraduate Non-Degree” applicant. When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No” and that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.
- Select your home campus, UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, or UW-Superior, and follow the instructions below, as applicable:
- UW-Parkside: select your certificate of interest: Certificate in Environmental Sustainability.
- UW-River Falls: choose “UG Special/Non-Degree” for program; indicate your interest in the Certificate in Environmental Sustainability in the essay field on the application.
- UW-Superior: choose “Undergraduate Non-Degree” for program; indicate your interest in the Certificate in Environmental Sustainability in the essay field on the application.
- Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
4 Courses. 12 Credits. 100% Online.
Courses in the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate focus on the environmental science behind sustainability. You’ll learn about the interrelationship between human behavior and the environment, energy systems, and emerging technologies.
SMGT 310 Ecology for Sustainable Management challenged me in the best way … I found myself reflecting on potential solutions for large-scale systems and implementing smaller-scale changes in my community. I’m so full of new ideas now, some from the professor and textbooks, others from my own head, and many from discussions with classmates … I can’t wait to put this knowledge towards action and change. —Rebeccah, bachelor’s in Sustainable Management student
How long will it take to earn my certificate?
It is possible to complete a certificate in one year; however, you may decide to take longer. Many students study part-time, while maintaining their full-time job and personal activities.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course focuses on climate change science and greenhouse gases, natural and human impacts of climate change, and sustainable and efficient strategies to limit carbon emissions. The course is divided into three major areas: 1) climate science and measured impacts, 2) modeled predictions and mitigation/adaptation strategies, 3) sustainable and carbon neutral practices. This course will emphasize not only the economics of carbon budgeting and increasing efficiency but also the human role in creating and solving climate change and the discrepancies in who, where, and what will be impacted by both climate change and the necessary solutions. Prerequisite: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course covers interrelationships of organisms with each other and their environments, as well as investigation into composition and dynamics of populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and the biosphere, with emphasis on sustainability. Prerequisites: Introductory Biology (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Basic engineering principles and applications for existing and emerging energy technologies. You will learn about energy production, consumption, and environmental impact, and explore the ways in which these principles relate to sustainable management. Topics cover a wide range of energy systems, including nuclear, fossil fuels, wind, solar, biofuels, and biomass. Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course examines the interdependence between natural resources associated with land, air, and water. You will explore significant environmental issues regarding the policies and problems in the use and management of natural resources related to soils, vegetation, and landscape within the context of social needs and sustainability. | 3 Credits |
How do these courses fit into the bachelor’s degree curriculum?
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management explores the connection between business, environmental science, and social systems to prepare students for sustainability careers. The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate consists of four courses from the bachelor’s degree curriculum that focus on the natural environment.
The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate and the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate offer flexibility for the student who wants to learn specific skills by only earning a certificate, or prefers to build their skills over time by earning one certificate and then the other, and finally earning the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management by completing the remaining courses. A certificate also provides an affordable option for students who would like to determine their level of interest in environmental science before investing significant time and money in a bachelor’s degree program, and can also serve as preparation for a master’s degree.
Courses and credits earned in the certificate apply to the bachelor’s degree should you choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student.
Course availability for the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate varies each semester, and is subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.
Fall 2024
Course Preview Week: August 27 - September 02, 2024
Semester Dates: September 03 - December 13, 2024
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course covers interrelationships of organisms with each other and their environments, as well as investigation into composition and dynamics of populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and the biosphere, with emphasis on sustainability. Prerequisites: Introductory Biology (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course examines the interdependence between natural resources associated with land, air, and water. You will explore significant environmental issues regarding the policies and problems in the use and management of natural resources related to soils, vegetation, and landscape within the context of social needs and sustainability. | 3 Credits |
Spring 2025
Request Permission NumberCourse Preview Week: January 21 - January 27, 2025
Semester Dates: January 28 - May 09, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course focuses on climate change science and greenhouse gases, natural and human impacts of climate change, and sustainable and efficient strategies to limit carbon emissions. The course is divided into three major areas: 1) climate science and measured impacts, 2) modeled predictions and mitigation/adaptation strategies, 3) sustainable and carbon neutral practices. This course will emphasize not only the economics of carbon budgeting and increasing efficiency but also the human role in creating and solving climate change and the discrepancies in who, where, and what will be impacted by both climate change and the necessary solutions. Prerequisite: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Basic engineering principles and applications for existing and emerging energy technologies. You will learn about energy production, consumption, and environmental impact, and explore the ways in which these principles relate to sustainable management. Topics cover a wide range of energy systems, including nuclear, fossil fuels, wind, solar, biofuels, and biomass. Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Fall 2025
Registration Opens: April 14, 2025
Course Preview Week: August 26 - September 01, 2025
Semester Dates: September 02 - December 12, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course covers interrelationships of organisms with each other and their environments, as well as investigation into composition and dynamics of populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and the biosphere, with emphasis on sustainability. Prerequisites: Introductory Biology (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course examines the interdependence between natural resources associated with land, air, and water. You will explore significant environmental issues regarding the policies and problems in the use and management of natural resources related to soils, vegetation, and landscape within the context of social needs and sustainability. | 3 Credits |
Spring 2026
Registration Opens: November 10, 2025
Course Preview Week: January 20 - January 26, 2026
Semester Dates: January 27 - May 08, 2026
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course focuses on climate change science and greenhouse gases, natural and human impacts of climate change, and sustainable and efficient strategies to limit carbon emissions. The course is divided into three major areas: 1) climate science and measured impacts, 2) modeled predictions and mitigation/adaptation strategies, 3) sustainable and carbon neutral practices. This course will emphasize not only the economics of carbon budgeting and increasing efficiency but also the human role in creating and solving climate change and the discrepancies in who, where, and what will be impacted by both climate change and the necessary solutions. Prerequisite: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Basic engineering principles and applications for existing and emerging energy technologies. You will learn about energy production, consumption, and environmental impact, and explore the ways in which these principles relate to sustainable management. Topics cover a wide range of energy systems, including nuclear, fossil fuels, wind, solar, biofuels, and biomass. Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Tuition is a flat fee of $450 per credit. There are no additional course or program fees, with the exception of textbooks which are purchased separately.
- You’ll pay the same tuition whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.
- You will not pay technology fees. If software or special technology is required in a course, it will be provided to you and is included in tuition.
- You will not pay segregated fees (fees for student services, activities, programs, and facilities).
- Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.
- $5,400 total tuition for 12-credit certificate.
Financial Aid
Students enrolling in certificate programs may not be eligible for financial aid. Refer to your home campus for more information.
Flexibility to earn a certificate or a degree. How does this work?
The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate and the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate offer flexibility for the student who wants to learn specific skills by only earning a certificate, or prefers to build their skills over time, while earning a credential. By earning both certificates, you have completed eight courses in the bachelor’s degree curriculum. Courses and credits earned in the certificates apply to the bachelor’s degree should you choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student. You can start any semester and take courses and certificates in any sequence.
All courses are 3 credits per course. The Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate and the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate courses are part of the bachelor’s degree curriculum.
Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate Courses
SMGT 305 Climate Change and Sustainability
SMGT 310 Ecology for Sustainable Management
SMGT 320 Renewable Energy for Sustainable Management
SMGT 325 Natural Resource Management
Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate Courses
SMGT 230 Triple Bottom Line Accounting for Managers
SMGT 235 Economics in Society and Sustainability
SMGT 335 Management and and Environmental Information Systems
SMGT 340 Organizational Behavior and Sustainability
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management Courses
To earn the bachelor’s degree, you need to complete twelve more courses, plus the capstone project.
SMGT 115 Environmental Science and Sustainability
SMGT 220 Systems Thinking
SMGT 240 Business Communications for Sustainable Management
SMGT 250 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
SMGT 330 Marketing for a Sustainable World
SMGT 332 Economics of Environmental Sustainability
SMGT 360 Environmental and Sustainability Policy
SMGT 370 Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Sustainability
SMGT 410 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
SMGT 420 The Built Environment and Sustainability
SMGT 435 International Development and Sustainability
SMGT 460 Environment and Society
SMGT 495 Sustainable Management Capstone
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management
Experience UW Sustainable Management
Learn about sustainable management, meet the faculty, read student stories, and more. Read the blog.