FAQs

Q: How do I register for the Sustainable Practices Certificate?

The registration process is very easy! We ask prospective students to fill out a one-page Registration Form and sign our Program Policies and Requirements Form. To obtain these forms, please contact our office at (415) 485-3255, or at certificate@dominican.edu.

Q: What will I learn from this program?

A great feature of this program is that every student will learn something different and every student will follow the course of study that is most pertinent to them.  After all students complete an introductory course in Sustainability, each student will focus on course work designed to meet their needs, interests, or future plans. Examples of available areas of study include: green building and green design, renewable energy, green business, politics and policy, resource management, environmental education, organic farming, permaculture, sustainable community development, and many more!

Q: I am already I don’t know what I would use the Certificate to do after graduation. Is that okay?

Yes it is. We will work with each student to help determine his or her strengths, interests, and hopes and then plan out a specialized course of instruction. Our courses, programmatic pieces, and staff assistance will help our students determine how to apply the knowledge and skills they gain to future endeavors.

Q: How will this program help me?

Our program is designed to give you not both a deep understanding of sustainability issues as well as practical expertise in the sustainability-related field of your choice. Upon graduation, all participants will have completed a minimum of 30 hours of hands-on sustainability work, but likely much more. It is our hope and intention that, with the knowledge and skills gained from this program, you can go on to utilize it in your work and your community.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A one-time Program fee of $3000 covers Registration, Dominican Courses, and the Internship/Capstone portions of the program. Because participants will enroll in programs, courses, workshops, or seminars with other Bay Area environmental organizations in order to complete the Electives portion, they will be subject to the fees charged for by those organizations. However many of those programs are offered for free or low-cost, and Dominican will help each student find the right option for them.

Q: Does the program require full-time attendance?

No it does not. Because many of our program participants are adults with other career and personal obligations, we make it as easy as possible to work the program into busy lives. Required classes all meet on Saturdays and the Electives, Internship, and Capstone portions will be fitted into each participant’s unique schedule.

Q: How long does the program take to complete?

Each student can complete the Certificate according to his or her own pace. The Certificate can be awarded in as little as six months or one year, or can be completed over the course of several years.

Q: Is it possible to use this Certificate towards a more advanced degree at Dominican?

Yes it is! Our GreenMBA program accepts some course work and units completed through the Sustainable Practices Certificate towards that degree. Please contact us for more information.