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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Sustainability and Climate Change Policy

Certificate

The Sustainability and Climate Change Policy Graduate Certificate provides the skills, knowledge, and training to respond to the rapidly changing policy and regulatory frameworks in climate and sustainability.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part Time
Duration
1 - 2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Help shape climate policy

This graduate certificate, a collaboration between the School of Public Policy and the School of Law, is designed to prepare you for the dynamic, evolving landscape of climate and sustainability policy.

This certificate provides students from multiple backgrounds an option for gaining interdisciplinary skills and perspectives in climate and sustainability policy.

Given the growing need for qualified professionals in the private sector, public sector, and nonprofits, this certificate is open to JD, master’s, and PhD students throughout the university. This certificate is also available to professionals who have not yet been admitted to one of Northeastern’s graduate programs.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineAugust 15

Spring Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineDecember 15

  • Application 

  • Application fee

  • Resumé

  • Unofficial transcripts (If admitted, you will have 30 days after classes start to provide an official copy of all degree-bearing transcripts. If official transcripts are uploaded into ApplyYourself, these may be deemed sufficient.)

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • Personal statement

  • Two letters of recommendations

Program objectives

Prepare for success

This certificate provides students from multiple backgrounds an option for gaining interdisciplinary skills and perspectives in climate and sustainability policy.

Conduct in-depth analysis

All students will take a 1 semester hour practicum course where they will explore in depth a specific proposed or existing policy or regulation and prepare a legal brief or policy analysis.

Study current issues

Take courses on climate change, climate justice, food systems, international policy, environmental law, energy law, and more.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $17,352
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

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