Dr. Chad Papa
Director of the Forest Carbon and Climate Program
Chad Papa, Ph.D., is Director of the Forest Carbon and Climate Program. Dr. Papa brings wealth of knowledge related to forest ecology, carbon accounting, harvest wood products, and science-based education and communication to the FCCP. His research focuses on the role of forest management and policy in support of greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals using a variety of ecosystem models and mixed-methods research. His work is meant to better inform forest management practices, stewardship, and policy and to help quantify the contributions of climate-smart forestry to both societal and ecological goals.
Prior to his current role with the FCCP, he spent 6 years as a research assistant with the
FCCP leading a diverse portfolio of research, outreach, and extension projects. Prior to his time at MSU, he spent time as an Agroforestry Extension Agent in Senegal with the U.S. Peace Corps and as a Research Horticulturist at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Chad holds a Ph.D. in forestry from Michigan State University and previously earned a M.S. In forestry from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Florida.
Program Overview
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:
- Human Dimensions of Forest Carbon Management
- Measurement and Monitoring of Forest Carbon
- Forest Carbon Policy, Economics and Finance
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.
Program Outcomes
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.
Career Outlook
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.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$1012
$1012
Cost of Attendance
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.