Certificates

The Geography and Environmental Sciences Department offers several non-degree certificates for both graduates and undergraduates. 
A GIS instructor leading a computer lab class in the GAM Lab, with a US map displayed on a large projector screen and students working at individual monitors.

Geographic Information Science (GISci) Certificate​ (18 hours)

​GIS Coordinator: Peter Anthamatten

The focus of this certificate is on a broad array of geotechniques, including geographic information systems, remote sensing, cartography, and statistics​.

A hand-painted cardboard protest sign reading "Climate Justice Now!" with a thermometer and globe illustration, held above a crowd at a climate demonstration. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.

Climate and Environmental Justice​ (12 hours)

Coordinator: Lisa Kelley

The Climate and Environmental Justice (CEJ) Certificate provides graduate students throughout the University of Colorado Denver, as well as non-matriculating professionals who already possess a BA or BS degree, with the essential skills to integrate CEJ insights and practices into their professional career plans. This will require understanding 1) climate and environmental impacts and their governance, 2) their social and environmental causes, 3) the dynamics of power and authority that influence how these issues are studied, represented, addressed, and experienced, and 4) practical skills for engaging CEJ topics. Through the certificate program, students will gain an understanding of how climate and the environment intersect with justice at different sites, scales, and sectors, as well as be introduced to the community practices and climate-environmental solutions required to build a just world.

A researcher in a yellow jacket stands near a small mountain stream in an alpine meadow, with survey markers in the foreground, evergreen trees, and a rocky hillside under a clear blue sky.

Environmental Stewardship of Indigenous Lands

The ESIL certificate is motivated by the history of environmental incidents and degradation that have impacted Indigenous lands across the United States.  Prevention and management of environmental incidents depends, in part, on scientifically aware, culturally sensitive individuals who can serve as environmental liaisons between tribal and non-tribal organizations. A network of tribal and non-tribal agencies and CU Denver have come together to provide ESIL students with the most current, professionally relevant training to meet the employment needs in this critical area of environmental stewardship.