The Minor and Certificate in Sustainability provides a comprehensive understanding of the most pressing issues facing the world today.
ERG’s Minor/Certificate program offers a practical and relevant interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of environmental, economic, social, political, and cultural issues. Students complete courses in:
- Global and local environmental change
- The science, engineering, economics, and policy of renewable energy
- The economics of degradation and sustainability
- Business and sustainability
- Environmental justice
- Water science, policy, engineering, and equity
To receive updates about the Sustainability Minor/Certificate program, please sign up for the Energy and Resources Group email list.
• VIDEO
Sustainability: the defining theme of our times
In this video, Summer Sustainability Minor graduate Camila Ruiz Custodio and ERG professors Daniel Kammen and Isha Ray explain what makes the Sustainability Minor a program with such broad applications and enormous potential for impact.
Program Overview
In 2023, the Sustainability Summer program will offer one course in Session A, May 22 – June 30 (California Water), and all others will take place in Session C, June 20 – August 11. The minor and certificate requires a minimum of five courses and 15 total units of coursework. The program is typically completed in two or more summers, but may be completed in one. Note that while there are no prerequisites, some college level mathematics will be helpful for the quantitative elements in several courses.
Business, Sustainability, and Society (3 units) is offered every other summer. It will not be offered during the 2023 summer session.
| Number | Course | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENERES W100 | Energy and Society (Asynchronous Online Course) | 4 |
| ENERES C176 | Climate Change Economics | 4 |
| ENERES 171 | California Water | 3 |
| ENERES 101 | Ecology and Society | 3 |
| ENERES 170 | Environmental Classics | 3 |
| ENERES W174 | Water and Sanitation Justice (Asynchronous Online Course) | 3 |
The Minor in Sustainability (For UC Berkeley Undergraduates)
If you are a current undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, ERG’s Minor in Sustainability will equip you with the ability to develop big-picture and interdisciplinary solutions, and will open the door to a suite of potential careers and graduate studies.
How to Enroll:
- Register at summer.berkeley.edu
- Enroll in courses through Berkeley Summer Sessions to reserve your place
- Fill out the Intent to Complete Sustainability Minor form by June 21, 2023
How to Declare:
Complete and email the Minor Declaration form to sustainabilitysummer@berkeley.edu by August 31, 2023 for summer completions. Students who do not choose to complete the minor but wish to take individual ERG summer courses may enroll through CalCentral without completing any of the forms above.
Scholarships:
If you are enrolled in the minor, you may be eligible for a $1,500 scholarship if you:
- Are currently enrolled as a UC Berkeley student
- Complete the academic requirements of the minor
- Receive a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all courses comprising the minor and complete all courses before graduation
- Complete only one of the program courses during the academic year (Energy and Society or Climate Change Economics)
For more information about program costs, please visit the Berkeley Summer Sessions Fees website.
The Certificate in Sustainability (for Summer-Only Students)
If you are currently working, or a job candidate looking to add value to your education or experience, the Sustainability Certificate is a great way to gain a professional edge. The Certificate provides an opportunity to enjoy a summer in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area while studying at one of the world’s leading universities in environmental sustainability. Berkeley is known for its authenticity and diversity, scientific exploration, and unrivaled climate of thought leadership that fuels constant innovation.
How to Enroll:
- Register at summer.berkeley.edu
- Enroll in courses through Berkeley Summer Sessions to reserve your place
- Fill out the Intent to Complete Sustainability Certificate form by June 21, 2023
How to Declare:
Complete and email the Certificate Completion Form to sustainabilitysummer@berkeley.edu by August 31, 2023 for summer completions. Non-UC Berkeley students who do not choose to complete the certificate but wish to take individual ERG summer courses may enroll through CalCentral without completing any of the forms above.
More Information
Important Dates
Summer registration for Berkeley students typically opens on February 1, and opens in mid-February for non-Berkeley students.
Summer 2023 Session C courses can be added until late June through the Berkeley Summer Sessions website. If instruction has begun and you have no yet been added to the course because you are on a waitlist, it is recommended that you attend lecture while you wait for official enrollment. For cancellation, grading option, and other session deadlines visit the Berkeley Summer Sessions deadlines page.
Curriculum
To view more detailed course descriptions and a curriculum schedule, please click here.
Instructors
For more information about our instructors, please visit the Summer Instructors page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit our Sustainability Minor/Certificate FAQ page or email us at sustainabilitysummer@berkeley.edu with any additional questions.