Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainability (GCSC)

University of Utah

Date Posted: June 10, 2022
Submitted by: Lillian Makhoul
Sustainability Topic: Curriculum
Content Type: Academic Programs
Program Type: Graduate Certificate/Diploma

Description

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainability program trains students to think and act across disciplinary boundaries. This transdisciplinary literacy enhances graduate education by building on disciplinary expertise. Students are provided opportunities to develop their capacities as transformational change agents within their communities and institutions. This program is a collaboration between the Graduate School, Sustainability Office, and the Global Change and Sustainability Center.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate both depth in a particular thematic area of expertise and breadth in sustainability literacy and key concepts Utilize systems thinking, life cycle analysis, and other concepts and tools to analyze the complex interconnections among social, economic, and environmental systems Communicate and collaborate across disciplinary boundaries Reflect deeply about the ethical practice of sustainability (e.g., recognize inherent conflicts of interest, trade-offs, and moral dilemmas, and discuss them in a way that shows an ability to weigh the pros and cons of complex sustainability strategies, recognize different stakeholder perspectives, and understand that costs and benefits are not equally distributed). Evaluate and implement visions of sustainable practices and values through the translation of knowledge of sustainability into actions for sustainability.