Planning Resilient Systems Certificate - CTPRSG
Environmental Studies Program
Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
Building 21, The Ridges
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740.593.9381
gvsinfo@ohio.edu
Delivery Mode: Online
Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring
Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None
Enrollment Eligibility: Degree-seeking or non-degree status
Program Overview
The Planning Resilient Systems Certificate trains public officials, planners, environmental professionals, state and local agency personnel, and others in how to strengthen the ability of systems to resist, adapt and transform under conditions of change. In the face of unprecedented environmental change, communities will need new strategies to be resilient to the impacts of flooding, drought, unseasonable temperatures affecting resources and food systems, wildfires, and others requiring appropriate policy solutions and strong environmental leadership.
This is a part time program. Classes are offered Fall (2 courses) and Spring semester (1 course). Students entering in Fall, taking the normal load of two courses per term, 7 weeks each, complete the program in 6 months.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Evaluate the impact of public policy on energy, food, and agroecology systems,
- Identify entrepreneurial approaches to grand environmental challenges,
- Characterize externalities and inputs to energy, food, and agroecology systems, and
- Describe strategies to make energy, food, and agroecology systems more resilient.
Opportunities upon Completion
Employment categories of graduates from resilience programs, including planning, emergency management, and environmental specialist are all projected to be growth areas with 5-10% growth estimated. Additionally, Climate Change Business Journal has estimated “the United States climate adaptation & resilience services market at $650 million in 2018. Growth has been in the double digits and the forecast is for that rate to continue in the short term at 12-15% per year to at least 2022.” Professionals already working in communities recognize the need for additional training and education in climate change adaptation and resilience, and employers have identified the need for better communication and community engagement skills, improved understanding of climate change, and crisis and risk management as key areas for improved education and training.
Certificate Relationship to Parent Degree Program
The parent program of this graduate specialized stackable certificate is the Master of Sustainability, Security, and Resilience (MSSR).
A student who wants to enroll in this certificate does not need to enroll in or complete the MSSR degree. However, completing this certificate does fulfill three required courses in the ten-course degree. Students admitted to this certificate may also seek admission to the MSSR degree, and/or the MSSR program’s other certificates. Two or three certificates also “stack” toward the degree. Previously submitted application materials will be reused as much as possible, as determined by the MSSR Program Director.
Complementary Certificates
- Community Risk and Resilience Certificate - CTCRRG
- Environmental Change Management and Leadership Certificate - CTEMLC
Further Information
Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/voinovich-school/sustainability-security-resilience/certificates
Admission Requirements
Applications for admission will be evaluated based on the applicants experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The personal statement should address the applicant’s career goals and motivation to join the program. A prospective student’s professional experience will be evaluated with an admission preference for multiple years (2 or greater) in a related field. One letter of recommendation is required, however up to three may be submitted; it is preferred that the letters of recommendation are written by the prospective student’s current or past supervisor. Admission of a student with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 will be considered with a demonstrated track record in a related field.
A student may transfer up to 8 semester hours of courses into the Master of Sustainability, Security, and Resilience, with a maximum of one course (up to 4 hours) in any single associated complementary certificate. Requests for transfer must meet university eligibility rules and must be reviewed and recommended by the student’s advisor, approved by the program director, and the Dean of the Voinovich School. Courses recommended for transfer credit must significantly meet the outcomes of the course for which it is being substituted.
International Students
An I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.
Completion Requirements
Complete a minimum of 9 credit hours with a cumulative Ohio University graduate GPA of at least 3.0 and no certificate course grade below C+, as follows:
