Already working in the field? Asked to take on responsibilities for which you haven't had specific training? Want to change careers, but either can't go to school full-time or can't find a relevant program in your part of the world? The online Sustainable Environmental Planning and Management Program may be just what you're looking for.

This certificate program, which can be completed in 12-16 months, includes two required courses and three electives from which you choose two depending upon your interests. Beginning with NRE 5200 – Sustainable Natural Resources Management, a required foundational course, the program enables you to build on your base of knowledge as you advance through the courses. The final course, NRE 5220 –Environmental Planning for Sustainable Communities and Regions, includes a Capstone Project during which you'll develop a sustainable environment plan that brings together all of your new skills and knowledge. You'll complete the program with an actual portfolio – and great credentials from a Top 25 Public University – that can help open doors to this exciting and dynamic field.

So why choose this UConn online graduate certificate program?

You'll gain real-world skills: When UConn developed the program, our faculty first identified positions in greatest demand within the field of sustainable environmental planning and management and designed the content to reflect the skills needed for these positions. At the completion of the program, you can expect to have the communications, decision making, problem solving skills – and much more – to take on managerial positions within the natural resources and environmental arenas. In addition, students taking the elective course—NRE 5585 – Python Scripting for Geospatial Analysis—learn to write their own scripts using the powerful Python Scripting Language. Working students can even bring their own projects into the program and develop scripts for real-world use.

A multidisciplinary – and interdisciplinary – focus: Students are exposed to a broad range of areas within the sustainable environmental arena, including sustainable agriculture, fisheries, forestry, freshwater, marine, water, and wildlife resources – and taught how various natural sciences impact each other. Courses also integrate aspects of social sciences and the humanities relevant to sustainability. In addition, developing sustainable plans often requires the fusion of expertise from many disciplines. The program, which is led by our interdisciplinary faculty, is designed to help you understand different perspectives and gain the negotiation, communications and facilitation skills required to bring divergent populations together in order to build consensus.

Research informed: UConn is designated as a R1 Research University, the highest designation of research activity. As such, our program faculty is deeply involved in advancing the field through cutting-edge research, to which students are directly exposed. You'll also have access to UConn's tremendous online library of resources, which is especially useful during the final Capstone Project.

Online – on your time: Each week, students are presented with a new module, which focuses on a specific topic. Yes, there are deadlines. But unlike a traditional classroom environment, the online delivery method allows you to follow your own learning style and participate at your own pace. Because you work at times of the day best for you—and in short snippets if you prefer—you tend to learn material more quickly and effectively. Best of all, there are many avenues provided for collaborating with your peers.

Gateway to advanced graduate studies: The credits you earn during the program can be applied to a Master's of Science or PhD degree in Natural Resources and the Environment at UConn, or, the Online Master's in Energy and Environmental Management. Earning the online graduate degree certificate is an especially great option for students with a Bachelor's degree who want to break into the field, but lack the credentials to apply for a graduate degree program.