Certificates

UNC Greensboro offers numerous graduate certificates, many of which work well with our interdisciplinary curricula. These post-baccalaureate certificates (PBCs) are like graduate minors, in the sense that they may be added to an existing master’s or doctoral degree; but they also may be stand-alone credentials. The Environment & Sustainability Program provides a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary PBCs, all of which are designed in relation to the M.S. in Sustainability & Environment (MSSE). Some other programs’ PBCs also can fit with our programs. Courses for the PBCs in GES are a mix of online and face-to-face courses; students in the online MSSE may take one face-to-face “main campus” course each semester by filling out this form.

Students in the MSSE need to take 18 credits of electives out of the 36 credits required. If planned well, these electives can be applied toward both a PBC and the MSSE. This is known as a stacked credential: a student concentrates work in the MSSE in order to earn the PBC at the same time, resulting in a two-for-one. In some cases, an added PBC might result in taking a few more than the required courses to earn both credentials. Regardless, this “double dipping” is an efficient way to focus one’s graduate studies.

PBC application deadlines can be found in the Guide to Graduate Admissions, which prospective students should follow to apply. If you are a current UNCG graduate student and would like to apply for a certificate, then simply create a new application for a certificate. You will not need to pay the application fee. Most of your materials will roll over, except for recommendations, but simply reach out when your application is complete so we can transfer them for you.

The Department of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability currently offers 6 PBCs:

The PBC in Climate Justice (15 credits) requires two core courses (6 credits) from the MSSE curriculum alongside three electives, two of which (6 credits) come from the Peace and Conflict Studies Program. The PBC-CJ emphasizes social-ecological critique rather than the purely technical aspects of the climate crisis.

The PBC in Conservation (21 credits) is ideal for MSSE students interested in environmental and biological sciences. In addition to three courses (9 credits) from the core MSSE curriculum, the PBC-C requires two graduate courses in GES (6 credits) and two (6 credits) in ecology from the Department of Biology. The PBC-C is also a good option for students in Biology to expand their coursework in the discipline of Geography and in interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability studies.

The PBC in Digital Earth Technologies (12 credits) provides advanced skills and knowledge in methodologies and techniques for earth observation, monitoring, and geospatial technologies. The PBC-DET requires two core advanced courses, one in GIS and one in remote sensing, and two elective courses in GES.

The PBC in Environmental Humanities (18 credits) is a flexible option for MSSE students interested in cultural work. In addition to two courses (6 credits) from the core MSSE curriculum, the PBC-EH requires courses in two other humanities departments (6 credits from each). Graduate students in related programs — e.g. English, History, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies — would also benefit from taking courses in GES and another department.

The PBC in Global Societies and Governance (15 credits) requires courses in geography (human/political) that take an international perspective. Up to three courses (9 credits) may overlap with the MSSE, making the PBC-GCG relevant for MSSE students with particular geographical interests.

The PBC in Sustainability (18 credits) is a pathway to (or from) the MSSE. The requirements for the PBC-S overlap directly with the MSSE. A student not wanting to commit to the MSSE, or a student in another graduate program at UNCG, may do the PBC-S as a compressed version of the MSSE. Similarly, a MSSE student who decides not to complete the degree may elect to switch to the PBC-S. (MSSE students should not simultaneously pursue the PBC-S.)

The PBC in Urban and Economic Development (18 credits) requires core courses in Geography (6 credits) and in Political Science (6 credits). The PBC-UED further combines a choice of 6 credits from elective options in both departments, making it a good choice for students in Geography, Political Science, and the MSSE.

In addition to the above offered via GES, a selection of PBCs from other departments that may be relevant to students in the Environment & Sustainability Program include:

Students may also consider one of the many other PBCs relevant to their interests, skill sets, and/or previous academic preparation (prerequisites).