Certificate Programs

The Center for Environmental Studies offers both a graduate and undergraduate Certificate. Each involves taking 16 credits from a variety of required and elective courses. Our alumni include majors in accounting, biology, chemical and civil engineering, education, geography, geology, polymer science, and many other fields. Eighty-five percent of alumni surveyed believed that the certificate was helpful in their obtaining employment.

Undergraduate Certificate Program

Students in degree programs may obtain a certificate in Environmental Studies by selection of classes that form an appropriate course of study. This is done in consultation with the Program Director. Electives are chosen that will complement your major and further your career goals in an environmental field. Beginning in 2004, the program is also open to non-degree students (freestanding), and granting of the Certificate is not contingent upon completion of a major. Students wishing to enroll in this manner must also be admitted to the University. Students with a science track education major may already meet many of the Certificate requirements. A flyer regarding this is available.

Students must complete 16 credit hours consisting of 5 credits of required Environmental Studies core courses and 12 credits from the list of approved courses. Courses within a students major usually may not count toward the certificate. To qualify for the certificate program, students must be in good academic standing with their major department and request admission to the program by completing the certificate application form. A student's plan of study for this certificate will be developed in consultation with the director of Environmental Studies. A pdf flyer with details of the undergraduate program is available here.

Graduate Certificate Program

Students may undertake the Graduate Certificate Program either while pursuing a graduate major, or as a non-degree student. Non-degree students will need to apply to the graduate school though the "apply yourself" system (link below). Any required hardcopy material should be sent to the University of Akron Graduate School, Akron, OH 44325-2101. Students currently enrolled in a graduate program of study, for example geology or biology, will need to make a separate application to the graduate school on "apply yourself" for enrollment in the certificate program.

Students must complete 16 credit hours consisting of 2 credits of required Environmental Studies core courses and 14 credits from a list of approved courses. Courses within a students major usually may not count toward the certificate. To qualify for the certificate program, students must be in good academic standing with their major department and request admission to the program by completing the certificate application form. A student's plan of study for this certificate will be developed in consultation with the director of Environmental Studies. A pdf flyer with details of the graduate program is available here.