Environmental Planning and Design Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Feb 19, 2024

In a world where environmental concerns have become increasingly critical, the need for skilled professionals who can design sustainable solutions has never been greater. Environmental planning and design graduate certificate programs are emerging as beacons of hope, nurturing a cadre of individuals with the knowledge and expertise to shape a more sustainable future. In this article, we embark on a journey into the world of environmental planning and design graduate certificate programs, and uncover the wide range of careers they can bring to the lives of those who wish to pursue one.

What Are the Online Environmental Planning and Design Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Schools that currently offer this type of graduate certificate will expect applying students to have achieved a list of entry criteria by the time the program begins. Most typically require the following:

  • You must have a fully accredited bachelor's degree (CHEA accredited) in a field relevant to planning, environment, design, GIS, and other related
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Copies of official transcripts as proof of your eligibility
  • Government issued ID copy
  • A short personal statement may be required for consideration, including details of your background and career path
  • Two or three letters of recommendation: academic and/or employer references
  • Application fee and form

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Environmental Planning and Design Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Graduate certificates in Environmental Planning & Design usually have a mix of mandatory and optional courses. They cover the following subjects and are worth varying numbers of credits:

  • Hazard Mitigation and Resilient Communities
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Policy, Regulation, and Law
  • Watershed Management
  • Elements of Sustainable Design
  • Landscape Ecology and Planning
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Sustainable Preservation
  • Architectural Context: Place and Culture
  • Analyzing Land Systems
  • Principles of Applied Ecology
  • Sustainable Urban Development

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Environmental Planning and Design Graduate Certificate?

  • Environmental planner: You will be a multiskilled professional, engaging in fieldwork, desk work, research, and using planning and design tools like geographic information systems (GIS).
  • GIS technician: Depending on whether you took this course option, GIS is a great desk-based career studying and producing digital maps for decision makers. The organization may require you to make decisions about design and planning too.
  • Regional planner: Working for government or government contractors to develop public land both rural and urban, amenities, road planning and other infrastructure, and conservation planner.
  • Sustainability consultant: Consultants are required in a range of areas, but especially in regional planning, environmental conservation, land management, waterways and more – operating on a contract basis.
  • Transport planner: Environmental planning also requires understanding of urban centers for the purpose of transportation and better use of road, rail, and other transit methods.
  • Environmental risk assessor: Your skills may be useful in assessing landscapes for potential risks, and both planning and designing mitigation methods that preserve the ecology of that area.

Online Environmental Planning and Design Graduate Certificate Programs List

Interested in an environmental planning and design graduate certificate program? Check out our listings below to find a traditional, online, or hybrid program near you.

California

SchoolLocationDetails
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CAhttps://www.sjsu.edu/urbanplanning/advanced-certificates/environmental-planning.php
University of California BerkeleyBerkeley, CAGraduate Certificate in Environmental Design
University of California DavisDavis, CALand Use and Environmental Planning Certificate Program

Connecticut

SchoolLocationDetails
University of ConnecticutStorrs, CTOnline - Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management

Maryland

SchoolLocationDetails
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MDOnline - Environmental Planning Graduate Certificate

New Jersey

SchoolLocationDetails
Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJGraduate Certificate in Environmental Planning

Oregon

SchoolLocationDetails
University of OregonEugene, ORGraduate Certificate in Ecological Design

Pennsylvania

SchoolLocationDetails
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PAGraduate Certificate in Ecological Planning

West Virginia

SchoolLocationDetails
American Public UniversityCharles Town, WVOnline - Environmental Planning and Design Graduate Certificate

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