Climate Literacy Certificate

Demand for environmental specialists is growing fast: Climate-related job openings will grow by 8% by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance your teaching around climate, a business professional incorporating sustainability into your business, or an advocate influencing public policy and community awareness, you'll find your place in this growing field with a certificate in climate literacy from Hamline. 

Our Climate Literacy Certificate is rooted in climate justice, with a curriculum developed in close collaboration with Climate Generation. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to drive solutions to the climate crisis and apply real-world research in a variety of projects, including:

  • Designing a climate change curriculum for a local school
  • Investigating the effects of climate change on your local ecology
  • Testing strategies to create safer pedestrian and bike routes in urban neighborhoods
  • Proposing policies and co-authoring legislation to abate climate change

Climate Literacy Certificate program frequently asked questions

Are courses online or on campus? Hamline's Climate Literacy certificate is offered fully online. Some individual classes may meet synchronously online (at a set scheduled time) on a weekday evening. You have the option of choosing elective coursework that is fully online, or those that offer in-person field experience opportunities. 
When can I start the certificate program? Fall, spring, and summer terms
What is the typical time to complete this certificate?  One year
How many credits do I have to take? 10 credits
How many courses is the certificate? Four to six courses. See course details.
How much does it cost? Your cost is calculated by the number of credits you take. For more information on the cost of tuition, see the School of Education and Leadership tuition page.

You can apply your certificate toward a master’s degree

Enrolling in a certificate program is a great way to experience what the master's programs at Hamline are like and take care of your electives. With the Climate Literacy Certificate, you'll earn credits that you can apply toward a Hamline master's degree in education, or a master’s in natural science and environmental education.

Hamline has opened so many opportunities for me—I was accepted Master Naturalist Certification Program in Connecticut, and one of the main reasons was the work I’ve done with research from Hamline and the Climate Literacy Certification program. My Hamline education is a source of pride for me because of the support I received, and continue to receive, from this University.” 

—Tim Thayer '19; MA in Natural Science and Environmental Education, Climate Literacy Certificate, Environmental Education Certificate, middle school science teacher, Norwich, CT