The Environmental Studies Certificate Program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to broaden their studies through interdisciplinary course work related to the environment. In this program students can learn about society's environmental problems and issues; study environmental science, policy, literature, art, and philosophy; and take part in environmental research, field work, and case studies.
The Environmental Studies Certificate Program is not a major. Participating students pursue bachelor's degrees through the university's regular academic departments. But the certificate program can provide a valuable complement to any major, and it may enhance the value of a bachelor's degree. Students who complete both the certificate curriculum and an undergraduate degree program earn Environmental Studies Certificates with their degrees, and completion of the certificate program is noted on their academic transcripts.
Perhaps the best reason for pursuing an environmental studies certificate is a student's own personal interest in learning more about the environment. In some cases, earning a certificate can also make a graduate more "marketable."
In today's world many academic programs, even in environmental fields, encourage students to specialize -- to focus on relatively narrow subject areas. Yet "real-world" problems often require understanding beyond that of a single academic discipline. For this reason, more and more employers seek people with interdisciplinary training. The Environmental Studies Certificate Program exposes students to a broad range of knowledge. It helps put other courses into perspective. The Environmental Studies Certificate is evidence to employers that the graduate has acquired not only depth in the major field, but breadth beyond that field -- an excellent combination.
Almost 1500 students have completed the program since its inception in 1979. Many have gone on to careers as environmental planners, analysts, and scientists for government agencies; environmental consultants; environmental lawyers; researchers, writers, and activists for private environmental organizations; or teachers and outreach specialists. Meet some of our current students through our Nelson Institute Student Profiles.
Any undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is eligible to participate in the Environmental Studies Certificate Program. Because the certificate is designed to complement a student's academic major, it must be completed together with one of the university's bachelor's degree programs.
The certificate program has attracted students from dozens of majors in the College of Letters and Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, School of Business, and School of Education. Approximately 200 undergraduates are currently enrolled. Students from all majors are invited to participate.
The Nelson Institute brings together faculty, staff and students representing more than 50 academic fields, from the humanities, engineering, business, and law to the biological, physical, health, and social sciences. The students in our programs bring with them a broad range of academic and experiential backgrounds and come to us from across the United States and around the world. There are several ways to become involved in the Institute and the campus environmental community.
For further information, contact our Academic Programs Office.