Energy and Sustainability ,Certificate
Climate, Environment, Green, Policy, Renewable, Solar, Technology, resources, urban, wind
If you want to create a sustainable energy future, this certificate program is for you. It draws from and complements a variety of majors, and it can also be pursued as a stand-alone certificate.
The transdisciplinary certificate program in energy and sustainability examines current energy systems and explores what will be required to transition to a sustainable energy future.
In a world increasingly focused on climate change, renewable resources and sustainable practices, this program equips students to tackle pressing environmental challenges. They gain expertise in areas such as solar and wind energy, urban sustainability and resource management. With the ability to analyze complex energy systems and policies, certificate holders become invaluable assets in driving sustainability initiatives forward.
Students begin with an overview of how energy affects people's lives, the basic science and methods of energy production, and a full overview of energy policy options. Students may tailor the certificate around their specific interests in energy with a variety of electives representing a broad array of academic disciplines. Students broaden their energy knowledge by taking courses outside their primary area of study.
This program helps students enhance their understanding of the technology and infrastructure for generating, distributing and using energy; the associated sustainability issues; and the social and policy dimensions of energy systems.
2025-2026 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
|
SOS 171: The Thread of Energy
(SUST)
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
SOS 314: Basic Energy Science
or
SOS 324: Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
SOS 315: Energy Policy
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
| Upper Division Energy Elective Courses | ||
|
6 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 6 |
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Some energy elective courses are more technical in nature, which may require additional math and science knowledge or prerequisites.
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494 and 498 courses must be taken with the specific topi title indicated above.
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Energy elective courses are not limited to courses from this list only. Other courses on energy may be offered (special topics, etc.). Students may request to have those approved as an elective for this certificate by submitting a College of Global Futures Undergraduate Standards petition: https://students.asu.edu/College_Standards_Petitions. Completed petitions may be submitted directly to cgfadvising@asu.edu.
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Advising is not required, but students are encouraged to speak with an advisor by scheduling an appointment through the College of Global Futures advising.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
An understanding of energy is increasingly important for jobs related to climate change, environmental quality, urban sustainability and sustainable development. A certificate in energy and sustainability serves as a strategic career enhancement to any major degree program. This program provides a distinct advantage, positioning graduates competitively for a variety of energy-related job opportunities across sectors.
Government agencies, utilities, nonprofit organizations and private businesses all require professionals with the specialized knowledge and transdisciplinary skills acquired through this program. The combination of skills and knowledge graduates have attained makes them indispensable in shaping a greener and more sustainable future.
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
