Graduate CertificatesGraduate Sustainability Certificate This graduate certificate (in process of approval) offers an integrated series of post-baccalaureate courses that comprise a multidisciplinary study of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Students who receive the certificate must complete 6 linked classes (Please note that the final requirements may change from those listed here during the approval process):
The core classes will begin again in Fall 2008 (see brief course descriptions below). In the core courses, students gain an understanding of the major theories and concepts related to the key dimensions of sustainability, as well as case analysis experience with applications to private and public projects. The core classes have minimal prerequisites to facilitate multidisciplinary enrollment. Each core class is designed to build the student's knowledge of that dimension of sustainability, however, they also can be taken individually. Students who intend to complete the certificate also must take two elective classes in sustainability from an approved list of electives. The electives are designed to allow the students to add depth in their particular field of study or interest. The classes are open to current PSU graduate students and others who are not currently enrolled at Portland State University. For those who are not currently enrolled, please consult the
Course DescriptionsFall Term - "Environmental Sustainability"(Fall 2007: ESR 510; 4 credits; CRN 11262) T/TH 10:00 - 11:50am
Learn about natural ecosystems, including equilibrium and disequilibrium concepts, processes of natural ecosystem change, and controls on biodiversity; human influences on ecosystems, including climate change, land use change, resource extraction and species diversity loss; influences of ecosystem change on human communities, and human valuations and perceptions of ecosystem goods and services. Winter Term - "Economics of Sustainability: Theory and Practice"(Winter 2008: ECON 522; 4 credits; CRN 40932) T/TH 2:00 - 3:50pm
Economic concepts and theories for analyzing sustainable development, including the emerging field of ecological economics. Roles and practices of the business, government and nonprofit sectors in fostering sustainability. Winter Term - "Sustainable Development Practices: Integrating Sustainability Using Case Analysis"(Winter 2008: USP 5/688; 3 credits; CRN 44227) Thursday 4:00 - 6:30pm
Introduction to analytic and management approaches intended to limit the social and environmental harms associated with most past patterns of development. Builds upon basic understanding of socio-environmental change and provides a foundation for subsequent indepth studies of particular sustainable development strategies and analytic techniques. Students study a broader range of sustainable development topics, tools, and techniques. Spring Term - "Social Sustainability: Theory and Practice"(Spring 2008: SOC 5/610; 4 credits; CRN 63272) T/TH 10:00 - 11:50am
Learn about the human aspect of sustainability, relationships with environmental and economic sustainability, healthy families, healthy communities, healthy democracies, equity and social justice - class, gender and race, measurement and best practices - locally, nationally and globally, and implementation by businesses, governments, unions, and NGOs.
Graduate Sustainability Certificate Focus ElectivesEconomics
Educational Policy, Foundations, and Administrative Studies
Environmental Sciences and Resources
History
Master of International Management
Public Administration
Sociology
Systems Science
Urban Studies and Planning
Graduate Certificate in HydrologyThe Graduate Certificate in Hydrology Program is designed to give students advanced training in hydrology, including coursework in surface hydrology, hydrogeology, and water quality. This program leads to professional certification with the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH). The Graduate Certificate in Hydrology is an interdisciplinary program centered in the Envrionmental Science (ES) Masters Program, and is affiliated with the departments of Civil Engineering, Geology, Geography, Biology, and Physics at Portland State University. For more information about this program, see http://www.esr.pdx.edu/ESR/degrees/hydrol/esr-grad-hydro.htm. |
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