As sustainability becomes an increasingly vital aspect of our lives, many individuals are eager to deepen their knowledge about how they can contribute positively to the planet. While the 1y4e site and other free resources serve as a great introduction to various actions you can take to contribute to a more sustainable world, some people may be inspired to take their learning further by enrolling in a certificate or degree program.

Luckily, there are plenty of reputable options available to help you take your learning and action to the next level. Here are some options to consider:

Non-Degree Certificate Programs in Sustainability:

Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Sustainability Strategies: Develop Initiatives to Transform Your Business: Stanford’s Graduate School of Business hosts an 8-week graduate-level program designed for professionals seeking to develop their climate leadership skills. The program modules cover the root causes of climate change, the business opportunities created by transitioning to more environmentally-sustainable models, and how to communicate this understanding to stakeholders. Finally, the course ends with a hands-on capstone project designed to positively impact the sustainability of your organization.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Certificate in Environmental Sustainability: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a graduate-level certificate in Environmental Sustainability through their School of Earth, Society, and Environment. To complete the certificate, students must complete their choice of 5 courses, with options including Multimedia Environmental Communications, Sustainable Organizations, and Environmental Consulting. According to their website, the total cost for the entire certificate is between $6,000-$7,000, depending on the number of credits taken.

Harvard Graduate Certificates in Sustainability: Harvard offers a variety of graduate certificates, including 5 certificates related to sustainability and the environment. Their “Corporate Sustainability and Innovation” certificate is a great match for business leaders, as it emphasizes how to approach operations, management, and financial planning through the lens of sustainability. Each certificate program includes 4 courses, and according to their website, the total tuition cost for the entire certificate is $12,880. These programs can also stack to more advanced programs, including their Sustainability Master’s Degree.

Arizona State University’s Sustainability Analyst Fundamentals Specialization: This online certificate program, a partnership between Google and ASU, is designed to build upon the Google Project Management Professional Certificate. This course equips project managers with the skills they need to understand global sustainability challenges, assess these challenges’ impacts on their organizations, and make meaningful changes to address these challenges. To complete this course, learners must have a Coursera membership, which can be obtained through a variety of scholarship programs or for $39/month (after a one-week free trial).

Permaculture Design Certificates: If you’re specifically interested in permaculture design principles, consider pursuing a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). The PDC is a 72-hour standardized curriculum culminating in a design project. Upon completion of the course, candidates receive an internationally recognized PDC certificate. Approved PDC curriculums are taught by many instructors, including both in-person, online, and hybrid formats. Use your search engine of choice to learn more about PDC programs that meet your needs and interests.

Sustainability Degrees:

There is an ever-increasing variety of degrees in the sustainability field. You can pursue an undergraduate degree specializing in sustainability, such as an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Sustainability. If you want to take your learning to the next level, there are a variety of Master’s programs available with a sustainability focus, including Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Business Administration programs. Finally, a variety of doctoral degrees are available in sustainability, sustainable development, and related fields. To learn more about degrees available in the field, check out the “Action” link below.

Fellowship Programs in Sustainability:

The Climatebase Fellowship: The Climatebase Fellowship is a 12-week career accelerator program for those passionate about fighting climate change. During the program, fellows participate in weekly curriculum sessions, speeches from industry experts, networking events, and career development support. After graduation, fellows can stay connected to the community through their online network. The Fellowship does charge an enrollment fee, but scholarships are available.