Broadly defined, “Environmental Justice” is an interdisciplinary field of study that includes (but is not limited to) theories of the environment, theories of justice, environmental law and governance, environmental policy and planning, philosophy, development, sustainability, and political ecology.  More narrowly, the United States Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."

Environmental justice emerged from an increased awareness of the disproportionately high impacts of environmental change and degradation on economically and politically disadvantaged communities. It addresses issues such as social, economic and political marginalization of minorities and low income populations.

The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Justice emphasizes the causes and consequences of the distribution of environmental problems. Students focus on why some poor and minority communities are more likely to experience a host of environmental burdens, as well as exploring the impact of that disproportionate environmental exposure. Understanding why some neighborhoods, communities, regions and countries benefit from environmental protection, while others do not, provides students with a concrete skill set and a critical perspective on environmental problems, community organizing and public participation, good governance, and research methods. Students who pursue this certificate will be well situated for careers in public policy, international relations, environmental advocacy, and environmental research.

The Environmental Justice Graduate Certificate can be completed at either Lawrence or Edwards Campus locations. 

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 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 justice 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).

Current KU graduate students wishing to enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Justice program must apply through Graduate Studies and submit the required fee.  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 Office of Graduate Studies. 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 justice 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).

Please see the Admission to Graduate Study policy and the KU Edwards Campus page for additional information on admission.

At least 50% of the coursework counted toward the certificate must be 700 level or above. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
EVRN 528	Environmental Justice and Public Policy	3
or EVRN 650	Global Environmental Justice
or EVRN 673	Environmental Justice
or ISP 673	Environmental Justice
EVRN 721	Environmental Regulation and Policy	3
Science and Technology
Satisfied by one of the following:		3
EVRN 510	Advanced Environmental Applications in Geospatial Techniques
EVRN 730	Environmental Toxicology
EVRN 743	Natural Hazards and Environmental Risks
EVRN 750	Environmental Air Quality Assessment
Policy, Society, and Ethics
Satisfied by one of the following:		3
EVRN 628	The Politics of Public Health
EVRN 701	Climate Change, Ecological Change and Social Change
EVRN 737	Water Resource Sustainability
ISP 800	Indigenous Issues in the United States
PUAD 853	Policy Analysis
Total Hours		12

Elective courses may have prerequisites or other requirements.  Students should consult with the graduate advisor of that department to assess whether they will be permitted to enroll in a particular class.

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.