The graduate certificate in sustainability leadership was created in response to the colossal effects of climate change and the attendant growth in social inequality. It is designed for future leaders who are dedicated to catalyzing the changes necessary for a flourishing planet. The cross-disciplinary program engages students in the theories surrounding contemporary leadership and change interventions and explores the policies, technologies, and models that support sustainable development. Program participants work in teams to research GW's commitment to carbon neutrality, historic carbon emissions, clean water, energy efficiency, and eliminating single-use plastics, and implement practices to achieve these commitments.
These projects create models of change to be shared with other institutions and external partners. The experience challenges students to think deeply and creatively, examine their involvement, and appreciate that change must be both a local and global concern. Specifically, students will:
- Build competency in global sustainability initiatives.
- Discover the mindset and behaviors of sustainability decision-making.
- Take personal ownership of sustainability.
- Amplify inner leader development.
- Support the transformation of our campus and community through our ESG goals.
- Commit to being a change agent and catalyze change.
For those wishing to continue their studies in the field, two courses completed in the certificate program may be applied toward requirements for the master of arts in education and human development in organizational leadership and learning upon admission to that program.
Visit the program website for additional information.
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 12 credits in required courses.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| HOL 6702 | Organizational Change | |
| HOL 6704 | Leadership in Organizations | |
| SUST 6094 | Sustainability Leadership Capstone I | |
| SUST 6095 | Sustainability Leadership Capstone II | |
