Environmental Assessment Graduate Certificate
December 9, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
The Environmental Assessment Certificate is a 12-credit graduate online certificate program offered by The Ohio State University to teach current and future professionals the fundamentals of environmental impact assessment. This online environmental science certificate prepares students to address today’s most critical environmental management and conservation challenges, such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Students will learn how to assess the environmental impact and consequences of a plan, policy, or program before moving forward with the proposed action.
Earning this online certificate gives professionals a credential reflecting the multidisciplinary courses completed in this highly sought-after field of professional practice. Upon completion, students will be equipped with specialized knowledge to build competency and increase their employability in governmental and federal agencies, consulting firms, civil society organizations, and multinational corporations.
Who is this online environmental science certificate for?
This online environmental certificate program is for working professionals with bachelor’s degrees who want to advance their careers or make a career transition with a newfound knowledge of and passion for the environment. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue their master’s degree in public administration and leadership, city and regional planning, national policy, or further study environment and natural resources. Use this completed and meaningful credential as a way to stand out from the crowd.
Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s Environmental Assessment Graduate Certificate program admits online students twice-per-year for the spring and autumn semester.
Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s Environmental Assessment Graduate Certificate program admits online students twice-per-year for the spring and autumn semester.
Admission Criteria
Applicants to this program must meet two sets of criteria:
- The general minimum criteria established by the Graduate School. (International students, read about international admission.)
- The additional and often more rigorous program-specific criteria highlighted below. See full details about the application requirements.
Test requirements
No tests are required.
English language testing requirements
We accept the Grad School minimums (TOEFL: 79; IELTS: 7.0).
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
The Environmental Assessment Graduate Certificate from Ohio State University opens doors to a range of career opportunities in environmental management and sustainability. Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as environmental consultants, impact assessment specialists, and sustainability coordinators. With growing emphasis on environmental regulations and sustainability practices, there is a strong demand for professionals skilled in assessing and managing environmental impacts. Career opportunities span government agencies, environmental consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and corporate sustainability departments. The certificate equips graduates with the expertise to contribute effectively to environmental protection and compliance, making a significant impact in various sectors.
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Work Activities
Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary. Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records. Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $46,230
- Mid Level: $78,420
- Senior Level: $130,030
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5.4%
Related Careers
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Activities
Evaluate and grade students’ class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Supervise students’ laboratory and field work.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,670
- Mid Level: $87,710
- Senior Level: $164,290
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
3.9%
Related Careers
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
- Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
What They Do
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Work Activities
Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings. Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control. Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,130
- Mid Level: $80,060
- Senior Level: $134,830
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.3%
Related Careers
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Industrial Ecologists
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Work Activities
Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change. Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change. Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,130
- Mid Level: $80,060
- Senior Level: $134,830
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.3%
Related Careers
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Industrial Ecologists
- Sustainability Specialists
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Mathematics
What They Do
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Work Activities
Develop sustainability project goals, objectives, initiatives, or strategies in collaboration with other sustainability professionals. Monitor or track sustainability indicators, such as energy usage, natural resource usage, waste generation, and recycling. Assess or propose sustainability initiatives, considering factors such as cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and acceptance.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $46,230
- Mid Level: $81,270
- Senior Level: $147,830
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.4%
Related Careers
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Energy Auditors
- Industrial Ecologists
- Project Management Specialists
- Wind Energy Development Managers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Building and Construction
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Explore our Environmental Assessment Certificate sample curriculum to see the structured coursework and specialized topics designed to equip you with essential skills for evaluating and addressing environmental impacts.
Introduction to the common and statutory law and administration of environmental protection, with special emphasis on scientific and technological aspects.
Study of impact of human activity in natural resources through evaluation of environmental impact.
Fundamental concepts of international environmental impact assessment including the legal and institutional frameworks, practice and performance, and social and cultural contexts that shape EIA’s implementation worldwide.
This course provides students with a broad understanding of the fundamental history, concepts, methods, and theories of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) as part of environmental policy and regulation in both U.S. and International contexts. Students are exposed, via scholarly articles, case studies and projects, to existing SIAs from across the U.S. and the world and how quality SIAs are performed.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Stacey Fineran
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Environmental Assessment
Interests & Expertise: Environmental Impact Assessment, Nature based Solutions (NbS), Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and Climate Change
Jeffrey Jacquet
Associate Professor of Rural Sociology
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“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad -
“While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in 1,000 students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty.”
Stephanie Moore Ohio State Online Grad -
“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”
Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad -
“I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized.”
Demi MacLennan Ohio State Online Grad -
“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”
Cara North Ohio State Online Grad -
“As an online student, there’s so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless.”
Audra Hanners Ohio State Online Grad
Tuition Fee Overview
| Tuition Fee | Fee Per Credit Hour | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fees | $829.75 | $4978.50 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $195.78 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $8.20 | $49.20 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 | |
| Non-Resident Surcharge | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
Frequently Asked Questions
Online certificate programs at Ohio State are undergraduate- and graduate-level programs that offer students the opportunity to study a focused topic in a shorter time frame than earning a degree.
There are two main categories of certificate programs offered at Ohio State: Credit and Non-Credit.
- Academic certificate programs taken for credit offer students the opportunity to earn an official university-level certificate. In some cases, a portion of credits earned in these certificate programs can be used toward earning a degree. For example, students who earn the online Public Management Certificate from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs may apply some credits toward the online Master of Public Administration and Leadership and use the certificate to satisfy the master’s program experience requirement.
- Students might pursue workforce development training or continuing education units (CEU’s) that are required by certain fields such as nursing and social work.
Both Credit and Non-Credit Online Certificates can contribute to eligibility requirements for licensure or certification in a specific technical or professional area. For more information on the different types of certificates available at Ohio State, visit the Registrar’s website.
State authorization refers to regulations that impact online and on-ground education offered across state lines and programs that lead to state licenses or certifications. Compliance with these regulations ensures that an Ohio State degree will be recognized. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review each state’s educational requirements for licensure or certification. Each state has unique authorization requirements, so Ohio State must review each state’s laws to ensure that the university is in compliance. At Ohio State, we have a team dedicated to researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, communicating changes in authorization status, and disclosing state licensure and certification information. For more information on your specific state’s licensing board, please refer to State Authorization.
Yes, you can transfer up to six credits toward a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Ohio State. That includes 100% online programs such as the MPH Program for Experienced Professionals or MPH in Biostatistics. However, completion of the certificate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
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