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Lead Transformational Change and Drive Sustainability Initiatives

Graduate Certificate in Sustainability

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability at the University of St. Thomas equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead sustainability initiatives and drive transformational change within organizations. This program provides a strong foundation in sustainability principles and practical applications, preparing students to lead efforts that promote environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices. With this certificate, students will be empowered to shape the future of sustainability in your organization and beyond.

Why Choose the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability at St. Thomas?

As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainable practices, professionals with expertise in sustainability are in high demand. The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability will equip students with:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability principles and their real-world applications.
  • The skills to assess, manage, and report on sustainability efforts, using tools to measure organizational sustainability performance.
  • An understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to sustainable practices in diverse industries.

By completing this certificate, you will be well-prepared to drive sustainability initiatives, reduce environmental impact, and lead organizations toward a more sustainable future.

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability: Tailored for Professionals in Any Industry

This interdisciplinary program is designed for individuals from various fields and backgrounds, including:

  • Engineering professionals looking to integrate sustainability into their projects and processes.
  • Business leaders wanting to align organizational strategy with sustainability goals.
  • Policy experts aiming to influence regulations and sustainable practices.
  • Lawyers and legal professionals interested in the environmental and regulatory aspects of sustainability.
  • Policy makers and anyone interested in shaping sustainable development within their organization or community.

Pathway to a STEM-approved Master of Science degree

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability have the option to apply their credits toward a master's degree offered through the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. This flexible option allows you to build on your certificate coursework and continue toward a more advanced degree seamlessly.

Contact

Kundan Nepal

Professor and Program Director, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Kundan Nepal headshot
Email
kundan.nepal@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
651-962-5518

Graduate Certificate Requirements and Course Overview

To complete the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability, students must successfully complete four courses (12 credits) and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7.

Complete these three courses (9 credits):

  • ETLS 611 Foundations of Sustainability
  • ETLS 612 Sustainability Assessment, Verification, and Reporting
  • MGMT 702 Leading Organizational Change

Choose an elective from the list below, or discuss alternatives approved by the Program Director (3 credits):

  • ETLS 739 EV Market and Technologies
  • ETLS 744 Power Systems and Smart Grids
  • ETLS 747 Electrical Machines & Vehicle
  • ETLS 748 Renewable Energy Generation
  • ETLS 502 Manufacturing Processes
  • ENTR 625 Entrepreneurial Thinking
  • ENTR 708 Social Entrepreneurship
  • SEIS 662 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Analytics
  • BETH 601 Business Ethics
  • BCOM 637 Strategic Writing
  • MGMT 623 Project Management
  • MGMT 755 Strategic Sustainability

View the Graduate Programs in Engineering (ETLS) course catalog.

Enhance Your Career with In-Demand Graduate Certificates

Our evening class schedules allow both industry professionals and career changers to achieve their educational goals. And each class meets just once per week.

Convenient Schedule

Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. You choose how quickly you move through the curriculum. And you may start in any of our three starts: fall, spring or summer. Classes are offered in the evenings.
View Our Course Schedule
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Attend an Online Information Session

Discover how the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability can fit into your busy life. Explore program details, our cutting-edge curriculum, exceptional faculty, and strong industry partnerships. You'll also find valuable information on career development and admissions requirements.

Join us for an info session

Meet the Faculty: Industry Experts in Sustainability

Dr. Elise Amel

Dr. Elise Amel

Dr. Elise Amel has taught at the University of St. Thomas for over two decades. Amil is an award-winning Professor of Psychology. She has created a culture of sustainability leadership through systems-level changes including committing to carbon neutrality, embracing sustainability as a strategic priority, developing a strategic sustainability action plan for the University, and creating a system for integrating sustainability across the curriculum. She is a co-author of the book : Psychology for Sustainability.
Matt Metzger headshot

Matt Metzger

Matt Metzger is a licensed Professional Engineer (MN, ND) and a Senior Civil Engineer at BARR. Matt has over 15 years of experience in community- and green-infrastructure design, sustainability engineering, site planning, value engineering, flood-risk reduction, and creative stormwater management. An Envision™ Sustainability Professional, he specializes in developing client decision-support tools that incorporate life-cycle cost estimates, cost/benefit value assessments, and sustainability profiles.

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