Climate Change Policy and Management Certificate
Program Overview
Western Michigan University's graduate certificate in climate change policy and management equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to address climate-related challenges in various sectors. The program offers a foundation in climate science, policy, and management, with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, adaptation, and displacement. Students can choose from a range of approved courses to tailor their studies to their interests.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview:
The graduate certificate program in climate change policy and management at Western Michigan University aims to provide professional training for addressing challenges related to the climate crisis from different perspectives, be it policy or management within government, private, or nonprofit sectors. The program's goal is to address national and international challenges posed by climate change, including the transition to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, adapting to events like droughts, heat waves, and rising sea levels, and supporting individuals displaced due to these factors. Emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive societal changes as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the program serves both early professionals and mid-career students, providing a strong foundation in climate change science and its implications, along with training in policy and management domains with increasing demand. The program can be pursued as a standalone certificate or concurrently with another WMU graduate program, allowing classes to be credited towards both programs.
Course Outline:
The program requires the completion of six classes (18 credit hours), consisting of three required courses and three selected from a list of approved courses based on individual interests. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to complete the certificate program.
Required Courses (9 credit hours):
- GEOG 6250 - Climatology (3 credit hours)
- PSCI 5700 - Managing Challenges from Climate Change (3 credit hours)
- PSCI 5710 - Environmentally Sustainable Development (3 credit hours)
Approved Courses (select three, for 9 credit hours):
- BIOS 5440 - Global Change Ecology (3 credit hours)
- FCS 5820 - Food, Nutrition, and Climate Change (3 credit hours)
- GEOG 5570 - Environmental Impact Assessment (3 credit hours)
- GEOG 6260 - Disaster Management (3 credit hours)
- GEOG 6280 - Data Analysis in Climate Science (3 credit hours)
- GEOG 6300 - Climate Change and Geography (3 credit hours)
- PSCI 6311 - Monitoring and Evaluation of International Development Projects (3 credit hours)
Western Michigan University
Overview:
Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its commitment to student success and well-being.
Services Offered:
WMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academics:
A diverse selection of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Admissions:
Guidance and support for prospective students throughout the application process.Financial Aid:
Financial assistance options to help students afford their education.Student Life:
A vibrant campus community with numerous clubs, organizations, and events.Athletics:
A strong athletic program with Division I teams competing in the Mid-American Conference.Research:
Opportunities for students to engage in research alongside faculty.Career Services:
Support for students in their career exploration and job search.Wellness Services:
Resources and programs to promote student health and well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
WMU offers a dynamic campus experience with:
A thriving community:
Students can find a sense of belonging through various clubs, organizations, and events.A new student center:
The heart of campus, providing a space for students to connect and engage.Opportunities for growth:
Students can participate in experience-driven learning, internships, and leadership development programs.A focus on well-being:
WMU provides resources and programs to support student mental and physical health.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experience-driven learning:
WMU emphasizes hands-on learning and provides opportunities for internships and real-world experience.Strong career outcomes:
A high percentage of WMU graduates are employed quickly in their field of study.A supportive campus community:
Students are encouraged to engage in campus life and find a sense of belonging.A commitment to student well-being:
WMU offers resources and programs to support student mental and physical health.The Bronco Promise:
A program offering free tuition and fees for eligible first-year students.Academic Programs:
WMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
