As more emphasis is placed on sustainability practices, the need will grow for highly analytical energy experts with skills in sustainability technologies and systems in relation to markets, policy, and economics. Their abilities will be used to develop, manage, and improve manufacturing processes, corporate practices, and commercial products, for enhanced long- term sustainability of their organizations.
The most successful professionals will be able to create business plans for the adoption and deployment of technologies to address critical challenges in sustainability facing our global society.
Why a Certificate in Sustainability Management and Policy at Penn State?
The 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Management and Policy (SMP) is offered through Penn State's World Campus. Our online courses make it possible for you to gain essential sustainability skills while maintaining your current responsibilities.
As a World Campus student, you have great flexibility to complete your course work at times and places most convenient for you, combined with a highly relevant, dynamic curriculum taught by faculty with world-class expertise.
Continue Your Education in Sustainability Management and Policy
In addition to being an excellent stand-alone credential, all of the courses in the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Management and Policy can be applied toward the SMP master's degree option of the Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (iMPS-RESS) program, also offered online through Penn State's World Campus.
Who Should Apply?
Penn State's online Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Management and Policy could be right for you if you have a technical mindset and are interested in focusing on the implementation and interpretation of existing sustainability policies and regulations — and in exploring future sustainability strategies with regard to changing economic, environmental, political, and societal conditions.
The program is appropriate for students with a diverse background — whether or not you received your bachelor's degree in renewable energy and sustainability systems. If you already have a sustainability-oriented job and are looking to further excel at your current position or if you are looking to better define yourself within the growing sustainability management sector, this program could benefit you.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
The SMP graduate certificate can prepare you to implement sustainability policies and regulations and perform strategic planning as part of your larger work of sustainability management in both corporate settings and within government entities.
You can learn to evaluate the interaction between policy decisions, environmental outcomes, societal settings, and energy markets, helping you to become more conversant in diverse, industry-relevant topics. The courses offer preparation for careers in management that concern issues of sustainability and energy resources, including:
- sustainability coordinator
- project manager for sustainability projects
- chief sustainability officer
- renewable energy manager
- sustainability engineer
- sustainability analyst
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
Online Education at Penn State
Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus