Certificate in Sustainability
Certificate in Sustainability banner that says: Don't change majors. Change the world!
Hannah Rennie, Certificate in Sustainability student, presenting her integrative project.
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 related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 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 degree 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.
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 enrolled in the certificate program either before or after July 1, 2022.
It's easy to get started. Check the requirements and then complete this enrollment form.
You can enroll in the certificate in any year of your degree, though enrollment should be at least six months prior to your expected graduation.
To unenroll from the certificate, email sustain.cert@ualberta.ca anytime prior to your graduation to request withdrawal.
Learn about certificate requirements and ask questions at one of the following online information sessions:
- Wed., Sept. 16, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
- Mon., Sept. 28, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
- Thurs., Oct. 8, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
- Wed., Oct. 21, 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
- Tues., Nov. 3, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Meet some of the students who have earned Certificates in Sustainability and learn about their integrative projects.