Analyze environmental challenges through a justice-focused lens

Environmental issues affect everyone, but their impacts aren't evenly felt. Communities with the fewest protections often bear the greatest consequences, even when they contribute least to the problem. When you earn your Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Justice online from Oregon State University, you’ll examine how environmental risks are unevenly distributed and prepare to advance a more just and sustainable future. 

This innovative program combines environmental science with social justice principles and will provide you with the knowledge to analyze the causes and consequences of complex sustainability challenges. Explore how power, identity and worldviews shape environmental experiences while learning to apply justice frameworks to real-world problem-solving. 

Coursework

This coursework in this 27-credit online program bridges natural sciences, social sciences and humanities — enhancing your prospects to build a difference-making career in resource management, public health, policy, advocacy and beyond. You’ll gain the skills to influence change in government, NGOs or private industry.

Curriculum details and certificate requirements are available on Oregon State’s academic catalog.

Sample course topics

• Environmental racism
• Transforming environmental conflicts
• Theories of race and ethnicity
• Natural resources and community values
• Native American philosophies
• Environmental law

Apply your certificate toward an environmental sciences bachelor’s degree

Enrolling in the environmental justice undergraduate certificate will put you on a direct pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences online from Oregon State. The certificate credits you earn can be applied to help you fulfill the environmental sciences specialization requirement.

Please note: Successful completion of this certificate does not guarantee admission to the environmental sciences bachelor’s program.

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

• All classes are developed by Oregon State's world-class faculty, who are renowned for their research, expertise and innovation.
• Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• Oregon State Ecampus consistently ranks among the nation’s 10 best providers of online education according to U.S. News & World Report.
• OSU Ecampus students receive the same certificate and transcript as on-campus students.

NOTE: The U.S. Department of Education has approved this certificate for federal financial aid eligibility as part of a full degree program, but has not yet approved it as an independent certificate program. Alternate funding sources (e.g. private loans, private funds, scholarships) may be required to cover the costs associated with this program.