About the certificate
Develop the skills needed to measure, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with this graduate certificate in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. Designed for working professionals, you’ll be equipped with the technical knowledge and practical tools to assess carbon footprints, analyze emissions across operations and supply chains, and develop effective strategies for reducing environmental impacts.
Gain experience with quantitative tools and systems-based approaches while exploring:
- Greenhouse gas accounting
- Climate policy
- Emissions mitigation
- Carbon management standards
Prepare to help businesses, government agencies and other organizations navigate evolving climate challenges and advance their sustainability goals.

Admissions information
Program eligibility
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Both guest students and degree-seeking students are eligible to apply.
- Students must be enrolled at CSU to complete the certificate requirements.
Application information
- The online version of the certificate is administered through CSU Online. Please visit their page for additional information.
- Submit an online application through the CSU Graduate School for both the online and in-person certificate.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Frequently asked questions
How many credits are required to complete a graduate certificate?
The Carbon Management certificate requires 9-15 credits of 500-700 level graduate coursework.
What GPA do I need to earn?
You must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earn a grade of C or higher in all required certificate courses.
Can I earn more than one graduate certificate?
Yes. You may earn multiple graduate certificates, but you cannot apply the same course toward more than one certificate. Students can also earn graduate certificates in Water Resources, Environmental Data Science, and Climate Adaptation and Risk Management.
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Can I apply certificate credits toward a master’s degree?
Credits earned toward the graduate certificate may also apply to the Professional Science Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. Contact the department for details.
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Will my graduate certificate appear on my transcript?
Yes. Your completed graduate certificate will appear on your official CSU transcript, but not on your diploma. If you are also pursuing a graduate degree, your certificate will be recorded when your degree is conferred.