What You'll Learn
The Sustainable Cities and Communities Graduate Certificate examines how urban and rural environments can be designed to meet human needs while promoting long-term environmental and social wellbeing. Through this four-course certificate, you’ll:
- Learn how basic human physical, social, and psychological needs are currently addressed in urban and rural communities.
- Evaluate and compare the sustainability of communities in meeting human needs in the areas of food, water, energy, and the integration of green spaces.
- Assess the ability of cities to maintain sustainable systems for transportation, safety, waste management, inclusion and accessibility, education, and disaster risk reduction.
- Explore the basic principles of sustainable planning and building, and identify opportunities for more sustainable and inclusive communities.
- Build skills to lead effectively in a variety of organizational contexts using participatory decision-making and governance principles.
Courses
The Sustainable Cities and Communities Graduate Certificate requires four courses or 16 credits. You may choose from the following course groups using the certificate course search.
Core Courses
Choose at least two courses. You may take up to four courses.
Elective Courses
You may take up to two electives. Elective courses are not required.
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
You will learn to evaluate and design practices, technologies, and systems that bring sustainable solutions to communities and cities.
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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
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a 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.
Build a Stackable Credential Pathway
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn a micro or graduate certificate. Once completed, those courses may count toward a master’s degree.
You can stack:
- The Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Accounting Microcertificate into the Sustainable Cities and Communities Graduate Certificate.
- The Sustainable Cities and Communities Graduate Certificate into a master’s degree in sustainability.
Stackable pathways offer 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 |
