The Graduate Certificate in Forest Carbon Science, Policy, and Management is an online program offered through the Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP) with the Department of Forestry. The Certificate is designed to enhance understanding and implementation of climate-smart forest management, which inextricably links climate change mitigation and adaptation. Learners will complete three courses:
These courses can be completed in any order and build a robust understanding of forest carbon science, methodologies, and practices being used in the field today.
The Graduate Certificate is open to a wide range of participants, including recent graduates, those enrolled in an MS or PhD program, and lifelong learners. The only requirement for admission is completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year program. While a background in forestry, natural resources, environmental sciences, or a related field is favorable, resources will be made available to accommodate those with a limited scientific background.
The Graduate Certificate equips participants with a practical set of interdisciplinary tools and the conceptual background to plan, implement, manage, and evaluate forestry-based climate change mitigation projects. Participants in the Certificate program learn the scientific foundations of climate change and forest-climate interactions, how forest management affects forest carbon balance, the ins and outs of forest carbon markets, the social context of forest carbon sequestration, and the tools for measuring, monitoring, and accounting for forest carbon - including satellite imagery, remote sensing, and integrated carbon sequestration models.
Certification will provide an edge for those competing for opportunities in forest carbon project development, REDD+ policy, and carbon offset investment advising for corporations, governments, and non-governmental organizations. Participants of the Graduate Certificate include current graduate students, early professionals, and mid- to upper-level professionals. Participants will be connected to an alumni network through our online FCCP Community, where they can access job alerts, emerging news/publications, and connect with their peers and the FCCP. The Graduate Certificate is open to a wide range of participants, including recent graduates, those enrolled in an MS or PhD program, or recent graduates.
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
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Michigan State University, Forestry Department
Natural Resources Building
480 Wilson Rd., Room 120
East Lansing, MI 48824-1222