Program Summary

Samford University–#1 in Alabama and #3 in the region–offers an affordable, fully online, 12-hour graduate certificate in Environmental Management to help prepare you to address important environmental issues faced by industry, nonprofits, governments and individuals. The program merges quality and convenience, and provides an opportunity for working professionals who already have a university degree to gain knowledge in the environmental field without committing to a full degree program. It doesn’t replace a master’s degree, but graduates have the option of applying the certificate’s credit hours towards Samford’s online Master of Science in Environmental Management Degree if accepted into that program.

Objectives & Curriculum

The Environmental Management graduate certificate program was created to serve working professionals interested in expanding skills and knowledge in environmental management for personal and/or professional development. As a student, you will learn the methodology required to conduct wetland surveys and delineations, preliminary geologic investigations, and studies surrounding the conservation and management of a variety of natural resources. You will learn the methods and protocols used in these field surveys and complete a series of field projects that will demonstrate your understanding and document your level of competency. In your courses, you will engage in discussion and review of real-world environmental examples and case studies that will build the strengths and talents sought by a wide range of environmental companies and corporations.

As a graduate, you will be able to:

  • Apply core concepts and methods from ecological and physical sciences and their application in environmental problem solving.
  • Evaluate the ethical, cross-cultural, and historical context of environmental issues and the links between human and natural systems.
  • Understand the transnational character of environmental problems and ways of addressing them, including interactions across local to global scales.
  • Apply systems concepts and methodologies to analyze and understand interactions between social and environmental processes.
  • Reflect critically about their roles and identities as citizens, consumers and environmental actors in a complex, interconnected world.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods, qualitative analysis, critical thinking, and written and oral communication needed to conduct high-level work as interdisciplinary scholars and/or practitioners.

2020-21 Class Schedule

Fall A August 24-October 16

  • ENVM 514 Wetlands
  • ENVM-534 Research Methods and Techniques

Fall B October 19-December 5

  • ENVM 524 Environmental Geology
  • ENVM-533 Communication in Environmental Management-Professional Presentations and Scientific Writing

Spring A January 25 March 9

  • ENVM 537 Water and the Environment
  • ENVM-534 Research Methods and Techniques

Spring B March 15-May 13

  • ENVM-533 Communication in Environmental Management-Professional Presentations and Scientific Writing

Summer 2021

  • ENVM 519 Natural Resources Management and Policy
View Curriculum

Is This Program for Me?

The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management offers outstanding professional development for anyone seeking to move up in, or into, the growing field of environmental management. If you are interested in environmental issues, enjoy solving complex problems and value flexible, practical education designed for working professionals, this program is designed for you. Find program cost here.

What Makes Us Different?

Howard College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes career preparation and community engagement in all its academic programs. For graduate students, that means you’ll learn from expert faculty, many of whom are experienced industry professionals, leading courses focused on what you need to know to make a positive impact in your chosen career and community. We understand that you’re already working, with responsibilities at home and in your community, and we offer a flexible solution to taking your next professional steps.

Career Preparation

Market Ready

Employment in environmental fields has increased 15% since 2012. These “green jobs,” focused on sustainability and protecting natural resources, serve industries from farming to manufacturing. But solving environmental problems is becoming increasingly complex. Industries need professionals in the field to broaden and improve their skillsets and working knowledge, and not necessarily with a full master’s degree. This certificate supports career advancement in the fields of conservation science, forestry, environmental consulting, energy auditing, environmental engineering, environmental law, environmental protection, environmental science and hydrology.

Faculty

Ahinee Amamoo   PHLT 504
Rachel Casiday   PHLT 503
Lawrence Davenport   ENVM 534
Elizabeth “Betsy” Dobbins   ENVM 533
Malia Fincher  ENVM 539
David Frings   ENVM 515, 524
Grant Gentry   ENVM 538
Scotty Moates   ENVM 529
Kenneth Odom   ENVM 537
Anthony Overton   ENVM 519, 534, 540
Jennifer Rahn   ENVM 509