The online Earth sustainability certificate is a 12-credit program of study that you may earn as a stand-alone certificate. To acquire this certificate, you must successfully complete the following 3-credit prescribed course, along with 9 credits chosen from the offerings within the additional courses section.
Courses
Course List — Undergraduate Certificate in Earth Sustainability
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth in the Future: Predicting Climate Change and Its Impacts Over the Next Century | EARTH 103 | Climate predictions for the coming century are utilized to examine potential impacts on regions, sectors of society, and natural ecosystems. | 3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate, Energy, and Our Future | EARTH 104 | This course presents the past, present, and possible future response of Earth's climate to human energy use. | 3 credits |
| Coastal Processes, Hazards, and Society | EARTH 107 | Outcomes include the processes responsible for formation, diversity, and evolution of coastal landscapes; socioeconomic and policy responses to changes in coastal regions. | 3 credits |
| The Fundamentals of Shale Energy Development | EARTH 109 | Energy is a critical component of modern society, yet we face significant challenges associated with balancing energy demands, energy security, environmental sustainability, and stable economics with sound regulations and policy. Unconventional energy development from shale formations has been a game changer for the fossil fuel industry over the past decade and is projected to continue to grow over the next several decades. | 3 credits |
| Water: Science and Society | EARTH 111 | Students will investigate water behavior and occurrence, and its relevance to life, human activities, politics, and society. | 3 credits |
| Food and the Future Environment | GEOG 3N | Introduces students to the multiple connections of people and the environment through the dynamics of food and the places where it is produced, processed, and consumed. | 3 credits |
General Education Requirements
If you are pursuing a bachelor's degree from Penn State, these online courses may also satisfy certain individual General Education requirements. You should consult with your adviser to determine what, if any, credits earned in this certificate may be applied toward your degree completion requirements.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
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