What You'll Learn
Explore the intersection of ecological science, economics, and policy to support sustainable decision-making and conservation efforts. Through this four-course certificate, you’ll:
- Explore the economics of population growth, poverty and income distribution, market failures, economic valuation, economic incentive instruments, food and water resources, international agricultural markets, fisheries, and wildlife conservation.
- Evaluate environmental ethics of game and wildlife management, natural resource use, water management, biological diversity, fisheries, ocean protection, and agricultural production.
- Leverage scientific research, communication, and modeling techniques, including statistical analysis of ecological and environmental data, and systems dynamics modeling.
- Examine issues related to climate change, human population dynamics, population viability analysis of endangered species, and economic appraisal of projects that affect natural resources.
Courses
The Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems Graduate Certificate requires four courses from the following groups listed in the certificate course search.
Core Courses
Choose at least two courses. You may take up to four core courses.
Electives Courses
Electives are optional. You may select up to two.
Searching and Registering for Courses
Available course options vary by term. You can browse options for fall, spring, or summer in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Our Community at a Glance
Through this certificate, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the impact that population growth and climate change is placing on food supply, resources, and land.
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35
Average Age
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80%
Working Full Time
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24%
Students Outside the U.S.
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1.5 years
Average Time to Complete
Earning Your Certificate
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Stack Your Certificate Into a Degree
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your natural resource management and sustainable ecosystems certificate. Once completed, those four courses may put you a third of the way toward earning a master’s degree in sustainability.
This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2025–26 rate) | $3,440 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,760 |
