Certificate in Sustainability

The Certificate in Sustainability (CIS) gave me an interdisciplinary perspective on climate change, complementing my Commerce background in Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment. It deepened my understanding of the economic, environmental, social, and equity considerations crucial to real-world climate strategies. I have no doubt this experience helped me secure a position on the City of Edmonton’s climate team.

Ron MacLean, BCom in natural resource energy and the environment, Graduated 2024

Photo image for Ron MacLean, BCom in natural resource energy and the environment, Graduated 2024


The Certificate in Sustainability is an undergraduate credential that rewards your choice to focus on human and environmental issues that are increasingly important in today’s world. Study across disciplines to understand issues such as climate change, food security, renewable energy, biodiversity and social inequality.

Set your degree apart without overloading. The certificate is ideal if you want to focus on sustainability within your current program. It is an embedded certificate, which means you can count courses you're already taking for a major or minor toward the certificate as well.

Get more from experiential learning. The certificate’s integrative project gets you out of the classroom to solve real world challenges. You can go deeper into a previous school project, or build off an internship, volunteer or fieldwork experience. It's a chance to step back and critically develop your ideas under the mentorship of an advisor.

Get ready to make a difference. The certificate will give you a welcome edge when hitting the job market. Beyond improving your resume, certificate students gain access to professional development and networking opportunities. Our alumni are making real contributions to their fields and working in places like the Pembina Institute, Stantec and the Government of Alberta.

Eligibility

There is no cost to apply for or complete the certificate. As an embedded certificate, you earn the designation while completing an undergraduate program in one of ten faculties—there is no need to switch programs. Eligible faculties include:

  • Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences
  • Arts
  • Augustana Campus
  • Business
  • Campus Saint-Jean
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation
  • Native Studies
  • Science

Go to Current Students for requirements for students who enrol in the certificate program either before or after July 1, 2022.