Content: Online Certificate in Environmental Sustainability
In addition to the Bachelor’s degree, we also offer a Certificate in Environmental Sustainability. This certificate can be completed entirely online. You do not need to apply to the University to undertake the certificate, simply enroll in classes as a non-degree seeking student. This may be the preferred option for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree. All credit earned through the certificate can be applied to the ESE BS degree if you later transfer to the program.
This certificate addresses the growing demand for courses that concentrate on the key issues associated with sustainability and the environment. Students in the Environmental Sustainability certificate program will learn about the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems of the world; the implications of our actions on the environment; factors that determine the sustainability of human institutions, organizations, cultures, and technologies; finding solutions through innovative approaches; and expanding future options by practicing environmental stewardship. Following the classical definition of sustainability, the aim is to develop citizens, businesses, and societies that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
Course list
Five courses are required for the certificate. Students earn the Environmental Sustainability Certificate by getting passing grades (a "C" or better) in any five of the following courses:
- ENSU 300 Environmental Sustainability (on-campus Fall 2012)
- ENSU 301 Soc Impacts Weather & Climate (online Spring 2013)
- ENSU 302 Air Pollution to Global Change (online Fall 2013)
- ENSU 303 Sustainable Business I (online Fall 2012)
- ENSU 310 Renewable & Alternative Energy (online Summer 2012)
- ESE 320 Water Planet, Water Crisis (Online Spring 2012 )
- ESE 445 Earth Resource Sustainability (Online Fall 2012)
- ESE 497 Sustainable Organizations (Online Spring 2012)
You can enroll for the individual classes for the certificate here.
Apply here
Enrolling in any one of the approved courses also enrolls you in the certificate program.
Want to know more about the certificate, or how to sign up? Talk to our advisor, Dr. Jonathan Tomkin - he's happy to help:
tomkin@illinois.edu or call (217) 244-2928.
The UI Integrate system allows you to register (add and drop courses), view your academic history, current account billing information, and view and update your personal information.
For additional questions about the sections you have enrolled in, please contact:
- Sara Shawback, OCE registrar, sshawbac@illinois.edu, (217) 333-6305
Meet our faculty
Faculty at the University of Illinois study all aspects of the Environment and Sustainability to uncover innovative solutions - from green business, carbon sequestration, regional climate change, sustainable urban development, environmental visualization, second generation biofuels and much more. The faculty involved in the ESE and ENSU programs are the recipients of national and international awards - including the Nobel Peace Prize, the National Science Foundation, NASA, and AAAS - have been awarded multiple prizes for teaching excellence; and have written nationally adopted textbooks.
Tuition Rates And financial aid
The current tuition rate is $380 per credit hour, so a standard 3-hour course is $1140. This rate includes both tuition and fees. The tuition rate is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. The cost for future courses may be subject to moderate changes in accordance with the actions of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. 15 to 17 hours are required to complete the certificate.
Financial aid is available for students accepted into the program and enrolled at least six credit hours of coursework in Fall and Spring – full financial aid is available for students who are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
Frequently asked questions
What if I join mid-year?
No problem. Most classes don't have to be taken in sequence, and there are plenty of options offered every semester. We accept applications all though the year.
Can I take individual classes?
Yes! Any student can take any individual class. You don't need to apply to the program or University, and if you later apply and are accepted, all classes taken will count towards an ESE degree or certificate.
Will I get in?
There's no restrictions on enrollment in the certificate. So - yes!
I'm unsure about the requirements: can you help?
We want to help - we understand that it's complicated! Please contact us with your questions.