Climate change
Certificate, undergraduate
Overview
- In-state: $491
- Out-of-state: $1,465
Related Topics
Build a foundation for climate solutions
Earn your undergraduate certificate in climate change and explore how Earth’s climate systems affect ecosystems, communities and public policy. You’ll study both the scientific foundations and human dimensions of climate change, gaining the tools to analyze environmental challenges and support sustainable solutions.
This 12-credit certificate adds depth to majors such as geography, environmental science and natural resource management. It also prepares you for careers in sustainability, community resilience and environmental policy — fields where climate literacy is in high demand.
The certificate complements majors in geography, environmental science, natural resources and other fields where understanding climate change is increasingly relevant. You’ll develop a stronger foundation for evaluating climate-related challenges and considering responses that account for environmental systems, communities, energy and natural resources. The certificate can support future study or careers involving sustainability, environmental planning, resource management, resilience and climate-related policy.
This certificate could be a good fit if you:
- Want a foundational understanding of climate science and its ecological and societal impacts.
- Seek hands-on learning through core and elective coursework.
- Aim for a career in climate resilience, sustainability, environmental policy or public engagement.
Get climate-ready now
Curriculum
The 12-credit climate change academic certificate combines foundational study of global climate change with focused coursework in climate science, ecological impacts, mitigation, adaptation, energy systems and societal resilience. You’ll build interdisciplinary knowledge you can apply to climate-related challenges in environmental, resource management, sustainability and policy contexts.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,189 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Foresters
$75,376 - Environmental Restoration Planners • Climate Change Analysts
$92,730 - Recycling Coordinators
$67,084 - Conservation Scientists • Range Managers • Park Naturalists
$76,794 - Natural Sciences Managers
$153,637
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs and organizations
- Environmental Science Club
- Conservation and Environment Club
- Vandal Clean Energy Club (VCEC)
- EcoVandals
- Student Sustainability Cooperative (SSC)
Financial aid and scholarships
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Application information
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.
Overview
- In-state: $491
- Out-of-state: $1,465
Related Topics
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
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Connect with program faculty
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