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Professional certificates in sustainability

Sustainability certificates can prepare you for careers with higher-than-average salaries. Learn more about top programs and potential roles.

By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson

Last updated: June 11, 2025


Do you want to learn in-demand skills without committing to a degree or pausing your career? If so, consider a sustainability certificate. Sustainability seeks to meet people's needs while promoting individual, community, and ecological health.

On edX you can find online sustainability certificates offered by top universities aligned with different fields and careers. Learn more about how these programs can improve your résumé and salary potential.

Why earn a sustainability certificate online?

Earn graduate credit

Many sustainability certificates award college credit that you can apply toward a graduate degree.

Finish quickly

You can finish a certificate in fewer than 12 months, much faster than a traditional master's program.

Balance school and work

Top programs require fewer than 10 hours of coursework weekly, letting you continue to work full-time.

What will you learn in a sustainability certificate program?

Like degree-granting programs, sustainability certificates feature a core curriculum. Your program may require the following classes:

  • Leading sustainability transitions
  • Pathways to sustainability
  • Mastering the global sustainability context

Some programs let learners customize their educational experience with electives. Your program may take up to six months and require you to complete 20 credits.

Sustainability certificates emphasize in-demand skills as well as academic knowledge. These programs can prepare you to:

  • Analyze how human behavior impacts the environment
  • Identify how employees can improve sustainability
  • Recognize public policy's role in promoting sustainability

Curriculum and learning outcomes vary by university, so be sure to research each program to find the best fit.

What can you do with a certificate in sustainability?

Sustainability certificates are applicable to many careers.

Some jobs may require additional professional certifications, many years of relevant work experience, or a master's degree. A master's in supply chain management, for example, can help you refine and develop the skills you may learn in a certificate program.

Here are a few sustainability roles to consider.

Conservation scientist and forester

Conversation scientists and foresters ensure that forestry operations comply with government rules and regulations. They may collaborate with landowners, government officials, and other stakeholders.

Hydrologists

Hydrologists analyze the movement and distribution of water in ecosystems. Their work helps engineers and managers determine a project's environmental impact.

  • Required skills: Analysis, communication, and critical-thinking
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $88,770

Environmental scientist and specialist

Environmental scientists and specialists design experiments that measure ecological health. Responsibilities may include taking and analyzing samples, following federal regulations, and presenting results to stakeholders.

  • Required skills: Analysis, communication, and problem-solving
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $78,980

Environmental engineer

Environmental engineers prepare environmental reports, analyze data, and inspect facilities. They may specialize in waste management, site remediation, or another field. Most environmental engineers work for an engineering services firm, management services firm, or state government agency.

  • Required skills: Communication, creativity, and critical thinking
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $100,090

Browse sustainability certificates and courses

More questions about certificates in sustainability

Is a sustainability certificate worth it?

Yes, earning a certificate in sustainability can help you improve your résumé and qualify for new job opportunities. Pursuing a sustainability career can also let you positively impact the environment and create a better world for future generations. These benefits make sustainability certificates attractive to professionals wanting to make a real difference.

How long does it take to earn a professional certificate in sustainability?

Most programs take fewer than six months to complete. Many feature asynchronous or evening classes, letting you work full-time while you study. Working while furthering your education can help you apply sustainability best practices immediately and meet your workplace's unique needs.

How do you choose the right sustainability certificate program?

You can find the right sustainability certificate program by researching program courses, costs, and learning outcomes. Consider your personal or career goals. Some programs offer specializations in global warming, sustainability reporting, or green building, which can prepare you for certain roles.

Should you get a degree to work in sustainability?

Depending on your career goals, earning a degree may be beneficial, since many sustainability careers require an engineering or natural science degree. However, some opportunities, like solar photovoltaic installer, require only a high school diploma or GED. The BLS projects that jobs for these professionals will grow by 48% between 2023-33.


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