Certificate in Sustainability Leadership
Change. Lead. Grow. Where business, sustainability, leadership, and environment meet.
Environmental Science – Academic Certificate
Sustainability Leadership, Certificate
Offered as an Academic Certification
The Certificate in Sustainability Leadership (CSL) is an undergraduate interdisciplinary program designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in organizations committed to sustainable practices. The program is designed to give students a strong foundational understanding in the three E’s of sustainability: economy, environment, and equity (also known as the Triple Bottom Line). The certificate provides students with a broad understanding of all of the major applied areas of sustainable organizational leadership, including alternative transportation, waste reduction, renewable energy, green building, corporate social responsibility, fair trade, shared value, localization, community finance, and other emerging sustainable business practices. Certificate students complete coursework in corporate sustainability, management, ecological economics, natural resource management, life sciences, and earth sciences.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
Students who complete the certificate will have a strong grasp of what sustainability means, how it is achieved, and the forces that discourage sustainable practices. This understanding will enhance their ability to serve as effective leaders in both small and large corporations, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector throughout the region, state, and country.
Degree Roadmap
The program requires the completion of 32 credits, consisting of five required core courses and three elective courses from business, environmental science & policy, and other subject areas. All courses taken for the certificate must be completed with a grade of C or better and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Degree Integration
Sustainability Leadership Certificate students pursue a wide variety of majors including business, environmental science & policy, biology, and outdoor adventure leadership. Completion of a sustainability leadership certificate provides the interdisciplinary skills in business, science, and leadership, to pursue a successful career in a variety of fields above and beyond a major.
Career Path
Become a Professional
Career opportunities for Sustainability Leadership Certificate:
- Corporate Sustainability Officer
- Non-Profit Executive
- Development/Fundraising Director
- University Sustainability Coordinator
- Business Owner
- Program Director
- Socially/Environmentally Responsible Finance
- Director of Education
Salary Range
$37,000-$440,000
*Based on National Average
Future Success
SOU Sustainability Leadership Alumni
Shaun Franks - 2014
Business Administration and Sustainability Leadership
Southern Oregon University provided me the opportunity to discover my passion and pursue it will the full support of students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Reed Tennyson - 2017
Business Administration and Sustainability Leadership
The CSL Program was an eye opener as to how much our planet is affected by our actions. But most importantly it gave me the tools and solutions needed to be sustainable!
Contact Environmental Science
Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6802
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