Environmental Science and Sustainability: CP (CTE)

Certificate of Proficiency | 23 credits

Program Website
Academic Advising

Program Description
Sustainability is an awareness of the connectivity of the world and implications of human actions. It is finding solutions through innovative approaches and expanding further options by practicing environmental stewardship. Sustainable practices allow individuals, communities, and companies to constructively and creatively respond to external events, and to mitigate the risks of their own behavior. These practices take into account the interconnectedness of the economy, society, and the environment. Salt Lake Community College is concerned with the growing interest in and need for curriculum focusing on various aspects of sustainability. The College already has responded to this need by recognizing that two distinct populations might have an interest in the area of sustainability: working adults who need training to meet the growing demand for green building, energy management, and related fields, and transfer students who want to acquire expertise in this area. This Certificate establishes a cohesive program of study related to these issues for those who have either an interest in these topics or are looking toward a career in these areas. The purpose of this Certificate will be to train students to meet increasingly complex intellectual and real-world sustainability challenges of the 21st Century.

Certificate Objectives

Advance student and community understanding and discourse on issues of environmental science and sustainability and the interrelationships of the economy, environment, and human well-being.
Offer students the opportunity to enhance their potential degree programs and/or to provide job opportunities by focusing their study on issues of environmental science and sustainability.
Encourage students to research, evaluate, analyze and communicate issues associated with the environment and sustainability through various media and genre.
Offer students a quality academic program that has the potential to effect positive change at local, regional and global levels.
Encourage student participation and practice in leadership and service within the wider SLCC community, providing for a more sustainable campus and an opportunity for all SLCC students to develop a basic familiarity with leading environmental and sustainability concepts and issues.

Transfer/Articulation Information
Please refer to the Student Resources section of the SLCC University Transfer webpage.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Course fees: $40

Note: Fees vary based upon specific registration and are subject to changes.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (17 credits)

Elective Courses (6 credits minimum)

Select from the following:

Time to Completion & Graduation Map

Environmental Science and Sustainability CP: Full-time
Two semesters if sample schedule is followed.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes in brackets.

Understand and describe, apply, and integrate the basic concepts of Environmental Science and Sustainability. Specifically the student should be able to understand and describe a) the interconnectedness of the economy, society, and the environment (both the living and nonliving), b) the adverse effects that humanities’ unsustainable lifestyles have on the economy, society, and the environment (both the living and nonliving), and c) solutions to unsustainable lifestyles. Understand ethical issues related to sustainability. Correctly use one or a combination of technical skills used in modern areas of Environmental Science and sustainability. Obtain knowledge to experiential learning in the form of an internship or service-learning component. Be prepared to work with industry, consultants, and agencies affiliated with Environmental Science and Sustainability. Develop the ability to search for, interpret, and communicate information on a variety of topics in Environmental Science and Sustainability. [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
Develop the ability to communicate (e.g. reading, speaking, listening and writing) effectively about Environmental Science and Sustainability issues. Develop the ability to search for, interpret, and communicate information on a variety of topics in Environmental Science and Sustainability. Develop writing skills in the analysis and construction of a variety of pedagogies. Develop listening skills through course lectures, videos, and course discussions. [2,4,6,7]
Correctly use one or a combination of analytical skills used in modern areas of Environmental Science and Sustainability. [1,3,8,9]
Think in a holistic way about Environmental Science and sustainability problems. Develop creative, adaptive solutions to Environmental Science and Sustainability challenges. Respectfully engage in discussions on various Environmental Science and sustainability issues where numerous viewpoints may be proposed. Provide logic, support, and evidence to back up their viewpoints on Environmental Science and Sustainability. Read and think about Environmental Science and sustainability topics (both popular writing and primary literature) critically and skeptically. Think more deeply about the proper role of humans in environment. [1,2,4,5,6,7]
Formulate opinions on various sustainability topics by analyzing current events and research in order to become a more aware citizen. Discuss various conservation issues and learn from other viewpoints and opinions in order to be more informed on the hurdles facing unsustainable lifestyles today. Demonstrate an appreciation for, and some understanding of, the social, political, and economic factors that affect the use of Earth’s natural resources and ecological systems. Work collaboratively and in multidisciplinary teams. Communicate effectively about Environmental Science and Sustainability issues. [1,2,4,5,6,7]