Application deadline
Credits and costs
Online Certificate in Leadership and Communication Skills for Ecosystem Managers
Making strategic decisions as an ecosystem manager requires a solid understanding of the key financial, planning, economic, and legal principles that frame a variety of natural resources and ecosystems issues. This role also requires the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and to lead people, both inside and outside of the organization, to accomplish ecosystem management goals.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Communication Skills for Ecosystem Managers, offered online through Penn State World Campus, can provide a foundation in the planning processes and tools needed for developing and leading management plans for natural resource systems. The program includes courses to help develop leadership and communication skills and covers core ecosystem economic concepts and principles as well as environmental law and regulation, including federal, state, and international policies.
Course topics include:
- project planning and management, including decision support systems commonly used in natural resource planning and management
- communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and leadership skills
- the application of natural resource economics principles and cost-benefit analysis to common natural resource management problems
- the legal and policy framework within which ecosystem management decisions are made
Who Should Apply to the Ecosystem Management Program at Penn State?
Whether you already have your master's degree and are looking to add additional training in this field or you are just starting your graduate education, this certificate is an excellent credential to help you develop your leadership and communication skills and deepen your understanding of environmental economics, policy, and law.
As a complement to the challenging, but rewarding, curriculum, the online courses provide you with the flexibility and convenience to study around your own schedule without sacrificing quality. You can skip the commute and prepare for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving the comfort of your home.
Courses
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Communication Skills for Ecosystem Managers is a 12-credit online program that offers a broad understanding of the economic, financial, legal, and policy context in managing and addressing natural resource problems and issues.
This certificate requires successful completion of four 3-credit graduate-level courses that focus on project management skills, communication and leadership skills, and the understanding of finance, economics, policy, and law.
Required Courses (12 credits)
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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.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,007 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,082 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Paying for Your Certificate
Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.
Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.
Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your certificate application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
Specifically, as an applicant to Penn State's online Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Communication Skills for Ecosystem Managers program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an ecosystem management–related field, such as forestry, wildlife or fisheries management, soils or water management, natural resource management, environmental science, or ecology.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required. Applicants should have a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.75.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.
Contact Us
For general questions about Penn State World Campus or how to apply, contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Marc E. McDill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Forest Management
310 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802-4301
Phone: 814-865-1602
Email: [email protected]