Advanced Certificate in Sustainability

Students planting trees along on North Campus.

One of the fundamental societal issues of the 21st century is understanding the environment, how human interactions affect it, and how those interactions can be modulated to generate sustainable outcomes. 

Graduate-level Training for a More Sustainable World

Want to lead on sustainability in your field—without committing to a full master’s degree (yet)? The Advanced Certificate in Sustainability is a 15-credit graduate program designed to complement your current studies or professional path.

Whether you’re a scientist, artist, engineer, educator, planner or policy maker, this certificate gives you the foundational knowledge and tools to think systemically—and act effectively—on today’s environmental challenges.

What You'll Learn

This certificate equips you to:

  • Understand how environmental, social, and economic systems interac
  • Examine the cultural values and behaviors that shape sustainability
  • Analyze human impacts on natural systems, and develop responsible solutions
  • Apply systems thinking across disciplines

Curriculum at a Glance

15 credits | 5 courses | Flexible schedule

You’ll take:

  • Required: Fundamentals of Sustainability (SSN 501) — Fall only
  • Required: Sustainability Professional Skills Capstone (SSN 601) — Spring only
  • 1 environmental course
  • 1 social/cultural course
  • 1 economic/business course

Courses are interdisciplinary and offered across departments, giving you a wide lens on sustainability practice and theory.

💡 Already in the MA in Sustainability Leadership? These credits count toward that degree, too.

Why Earn an Advanced Certificate?

  • Gain broad, systems-level knowledge across disciplines
  • Strengthen your credentials—stand out for jobs or advanced study
  • Join a vibrant cross-campus community of students and faculty
  • Lead more sustainable practices in your field or organization
  • Complete the certificate on your own timeline

Who Should Apply?

This program is open to:

  • Current UB graduate students (any discipline)
  • Working professionals or returning students seeking graduate credentials
  • Those considering the MA in Sustainability Leadership (you can apply this credit later)

Application Details

Deadline: April 15
Applications after that are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best course selection.

Current UB College of Arts and Sciences grad student?                                                                   Complete the Sustainability Advance Certificate Request Form

Outside College of Arts and Sciences or not enrolled at UB?                                                                   Apply by completing the Graduate Enrollment Services form

Apply now

Contact us

We’re here to help. If you have questions about the program, the final project, or planning your course path, get in touch.