Academic Programs

Energy Sustainability Certificate

Certificate Description:

Concerns about future economic growth, standards of living, and environmental quality have made sustainable energy a top priority worldwide. The goal of this certificate program is to provide students with a solid understanding of the key principles of sustainability, its economics, and how it is practiced by the energy industry in the form of sustainable transportation fuels and electricity from natural resources with a small carbon footprint. The program will prepare students for careers in sustainability and sustainable energy.

The certificate program will provide a general foundation in sustainability and thorough understanding of all forms of energy that can support a sustainable economy. It is designed to appeal to an audience with a wide range of backgrounds and career interests by addressing energy from all angles (technology, business, economic, policy, social) unlike similar-sounding programs at other institutions, which are designed narrowly for engineering and hard science students.

Course Location/Delivery:

The Certificate is offered both fully online and on campus.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must meet University Graduate Admissions and English Proficiency requirements.

Application Process:

To learn about the application process, and to access the application, please review our application process.

Pre-Requisites:

None.

Curriculum Requirements (12 Credit Hours)
  • IDS 6233 Concepts and Principles of Sustainability (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6235 Economics and Finance for Sustainability (Credit Hours: 3)

And select one of the following:

  • IDS 6207 Renewable Transportation Fuels (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6208 Renewable Power Portfolio (Credit Hours: 3)

And select one of the following:

  • IDS 6210 Bioresources for a Sustainable Future (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6216 Implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Credit Hours: 3)
  • IDS 6276 Navigating the Sustainable Food/Energy/Water Nexus (Credit Hours: 3)
Time Limit / Average Time to Completion:

The approximate time to complete the Certificate is two years.

Credit Toward Graduate Degree:

Up to 12 hours of certificate course credits may be applied to a graduate degree with departmental approval.

Contacts:

Contact Information: http://www.grad.usf.edu/cert