Environmental Changemakers Certificate

Offered jointly by the School of Social Ecology, School of Physical Sciences and Samueli School of Engineering

The Environmental Changemakers Certificate gives recipients a 360 degree window into the issues of climate change and sustainability by providing them instruction in the science of climate change, the technological responses, and the challenges of policy and behavioral change. To earn the certificate, students will complete one course each from the Schools of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Social Ecology, for a total of three courses. Students who complete the certificate will be better positioned to obtain employment within industry, government and nonprofits.  

Three courses are required to complete this certificate.  


Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Environmental Changemakers Certificate will be able to:

  • Explain the processes controlling Earth system stability and sustainability 
  • Apply this knowledge to minimize and mitigate environmental degradation 
  • Understand appropriate technological approaches to support effective policy and behavioral change. 


REQUIRED COURSEWORK: 

  • all courses require a C or better, or P, to count. (Subject to change)
  • two of the three areas must be satisfied with UCI coursework taken at UCI
  • see the FAQs for more info

Select one from each of the following three areas:


AREA 1 - School of Physical Sciences:

  • ESS 1: Introduction to Earth System Science
  • ESS 15: Introduction to Global Climate Change
  • ESS 21: On Thin Ice: Climate Change and the Cryosphere
  • ESS 23: Air Pollution: From Urban Smog to Global Change
  • ESS 27: The Sustainable Ocean


AREA 2 - School of Social Ecology:

  • UPPP 4: Intro to Urban Studies 
  • UPPP 5: Intro to Urban Planning and Public Policy 
  • UPPP 8: Intro Environmental Analysis and Design
  • UPPP 107: Urban and Regional Planning
  • UPPP 117: Environmental Justice
  • UPPP 131: Environmental Sustainability I
  • UPPP 132: Environmental Sustainability 2
  • UPPP 172: Latino Metropolis


AREA 3 - School of Engineering:

  • ENGRCEE 60: Contemporary and Emerging Environmental Challenges
  • ENGRCEE 125:  Transportation and the Environment  
  • ENGRCEE 198 (will be CEE 168) Microorganisms and Climate Change 


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Students must apply using the Qualtrics application, answer all questions to the satisfaction of the certificate administrators.  

Application: 

Once you have COMPLETED all three courses, you may:

Apply Here


FAQs: 

Is this open to all majors?
Yes.

How do I apply?
Once you have completed all coursework, fill out the application.

How will this help me?
Recipients can post the digital certificate on their LinkedIn page or other website and can list the certificate on their resume. Be proud of your accomplishments and be sure that future employers and admissions committees are aware of this achievement.

How will I get my certificate?
TBA

Can I petition other courses for any of the three areas?
No

Can I use AP credit for Area 1 ESS 1?
Yes, but two of the three areas must be satisfied with UCI coursework taken at UCI.

Can equivalent courses taken outside of UCI be applied?
Yes, but two of the three areas must be satisfied with UCI coursework taken at UCI.

Can I overlap courses with degree/minor/other requirements?
Yes. Reminder: degree required courses for your major must be taken for a letter grade.

Can I take any of the courses for P/NP?
Yes. Reminder: degree required courses for your major must be taken for a letter grade.

If I have questions not answered, who can I contact?
Please see an academic counselor in either Social Ecology, Engineering or Physical Sciences.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement? 
Students must receive a C or better, or P, for each course; as a reminder, courses that count for your degree must be taken for a letter grade. This GPA minimum is subject to change.