Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment
Industries ranging from architecture, engineering and public policy require continued professional education for a variety of roles. The environmental assessment certificate provides certified specialization that professionals in these and other fields can add to existing credentials. Those in the field of environmental assessment identify possible environmental effects of a project or program, propose measures to decrease adverse effects and predict those effects. This certificate can be completed in its entirety online, or with an elective course option taken on campus.
Admission to Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Graduate Admission
Individuals interested in applying to the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in one of the following areas: natural, physical, or applied sciences, engineering, or related fields, OR coursework of at least 20 credit hours in the natural and applied sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, environmental sciences, or engineering).
For those without the necessary background courses in undergraduate science, some additional coursework would need to be completed prior to the start of the graduate certificate program. Additional contact information can be found at the KU Edwards Campus website.
Individuals who are not already enrolled as KU graduate students must complete an application to Graduate Studies for admission into the certificate program and submit an application fee along with the following materials:
- A Statement of Interest in the environmental assessment certificate program. This 1-2 page narrative should summarize your education, employment history, your long-term career goals, and how this certificate will help you achieve these goals.
- Official undergraduate transcript.
- A letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your academic work or qualified to offer judgment on your ability to undertake graduate-level work (former professor or instructor, workplace supervisor).
- Resume recommended, but not required.
Current KU graduate students wishing to enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment program will apply through the Graduate School. A student must be in good standing with their graduate degree program in order to participate in the certificate program. Awarding of certificates will be handled consistent with guidelines and timing of degree awards of the Graduate School. Completion of the certificate will appear on the graduate transcript. KU graduate students should submit the following materials:
- A Statement of Interest in the environmental assessment certificate program and its relationship to your graduate course of study.
- An unofficial copy of your KU transcript.
- A letter of support from your graduate degree program (your advisor or graduate director).
For more information on admission to a graduate certificate program at KU, see the policy on Admission to Graduate Study. Applications may be submitted at https://gradapply.ku.edu/apply.
Certificate Requirements
The Certificate in Environmental Assessment is designed for graduates of bachelor’s programs in physical/natural sciences, environmental studies, civil/environmental engineering or related fields who are currently employed in private firms, public agencies, and not-for-profit organizations that address a range of environmental issues. Key foci in the science curriculum of this program are environmental impact assessment; soils, water, and ecosystems science; geospatial analysis; environmental health and policy; and an understanding of environmental law and policy and the regulatory environment.
At least 50% of the coursework counted toward the certificate must be 700 level or above.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EVRN 721 | Environmental Regulation and Policy | 3 |
| EVRN 770 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3 |
| Select one from: | 3 | |
| Water Quality, Land Use, and Watershed Ecosystems | ||
| Soil Science for Environmental Assessment | ||
| Environmental Air Quality Assessment | ||
| Soil Ecology & Restoration | ||
| 1 graduate-level elective, preferably in EVRN, selected in consultation wtih the advisor | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- apply disciplinary and/or thematic training to practical situations through quantitative analysis, critical thinking assignments, or case studies.
- synthesize and evaluate disciplinary concepts and ideas to assess environmental conditions and make responsible decisions in the best interest of populations impacted by environmental issues as displayed in discussions, projects, homework problems and essays.
- identify and develop new or original interpretation or analysis of a relevant environmental topic through the application of disciplinary training in course projects.
- communicate effectively in a professional environment through reports, graphical illustrations, or presentations.