CoLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
Sustainability and Climate Change Policy
CERTIFICATE
The Sustainability and Climate Change Policy Graduate Certificate equips you with the skills, knowledge, and training to navigate and shape the rapidly changing policy and regulatory frameworks in climate and sustainability.
PROGRAM FORMAT
On Ground
duration
1 – 2 Years
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
No
time COMMITMENT
Part time
Entry term(s)
Fall, Spring
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Help shape climate policy
This graduate certificate—a collaboration between the School of Public Policy and the School of Law—prepares you for the dynamic, evolving landscape of climate and sustainability policy.
This certificate will give you the interdisciplinary skills and perspectives to set you apart in these fields.
The need for qualified professionals in the private sector, public sector, and nonprofits is surging, and this certificate meets you where you are. It’s open to JD, master’s, and PhD students across the university, as well as to professionals who are not yet ready to commit to a full graduate program.
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.
Admissions dates
Fall Term
| Deadline for domestic and international in-country applicants | September 1 |
Spring Term
| Deadline for domestic and international in-country applicants | December 15 |
Admissions requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Personal statement
- Resumé
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- 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.)
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.
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:
- Master of Public Administration—offered in Oakland, Boston, or online only
- Master of Public Policy—offered in Oakland, Boston, and Arlington only
COST OF ATTENDANCE
Tuition and financial aid
TUITION IN USD
$17,352
Read full tuition disclaimer
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.
Information sessions and tours
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Upcoming eventsSign up for virtual information sessions where you can meet Northeastern admissions staff, faculty, or even our Oakland campus dean. Find out more about our graduate programs, experiential learning in the San Francisco Bay Area, and get advice on preparing a strong admissions application.
On: Aug 04 -
Campus tours
Schedule an in-person tour and experience our beautiful Northern California campus for yourself. Meet our Oakland community, discover our world-class resources, and learn about the unique opportunities in the Bay Area’s thriving business ecosystem.
On: Jul 23
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.