Climate Leadership Certificate

University Interdisciplinary Programs

15-19 credits

Introduction

Now, more than ever, we need leaders for sustainability and climate justice. This certificate builds an empowered community of leaders to address this urgent need. It is designed to integrate sustainability and climate change content knowledge with the leadership competencies to make real change for a more sustainable and just world.

Why Consider a Climate Leadership Certificate?

Do you want to help advance climate action goals on community, regional, or global scales?  Do you want to create a more sustainable world? Are you looking for work experience? Are you interested in a cohort community experience in which peer-to-peer learning is valued, and community experts contribute to your holistic learning? Are you interested in pursuing community defined climate change and sustainability projects and an independent study project of your choice? Consider this certificate in climate leadership.

Contact Information

Academic Director Grace Wang 360-650-3278 Grace.Wang@wwu.edu

Program Information Lindsey MacDonald 360-650-3824 Lindsey.MacDonald@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

This certificate is a great supplement to many majors and supports numerous career paths. Here is a brief list: Food System Advocate, Community Health Professional, Policy-maker, Corporate Sustainability Specialist, Community Planner, Non-profit Leader, Program Manager, Conservation Ecologist (Forest / Fisheries), and Sustainability Educator.

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

In order to apply, you must be a junior in standing at the time of application.

Required application components:

• Personal Statement (1-2 pages, 12 pt font, single-spaced): This personal statement should articulate: 
  • How this certificate fits with your educational and career goals.
  • A description of what lived experiences have led you to be interested in this certificate.
  • A definition of what climate justice means to you, and how you imagine contributing to a more equitable and just community.
  • Please tell us what you hope to get out of the practicum experience. Please consider your learning, content interests, and location preference (either Whatcom County or Methow Valley). See Practicum tab for more details regarding potential positions and our two locations at sustain.wwu.edu/climate-leadership-certificate. 
• Your resume, including relevant courses you have taken, your GPA, and relevant experience.
• One letter of recommendation. Please have your reference email their letter directly to the Office of Sustainability Interim Director Lindsey MacDonald at Lindsey.MacDonald@wwu.edu. 

Please submit your application by emailing the Office of Sustainability Interim Director Lindsey MacDonald (Lindsey.MacDonald@wwu.edu). Annual application deadlines will be posted on the Office of Sustainability website: sustain.wwu.edu. Please submit documents as PDFs or word documents. 

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s certificate courses, and supporting courses for certificates.