Professional Certificates

Professional Certificate Programs

The School of Earth and Sustainability offers specialized certificate programs designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in environmental and sustainability fields.

Greenhouse Gas Accounting Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

• Format: Online certificate program
• Credits: 12 total credit hours
• Duration: Four 7.5-week courses over two semesters
• Delivery: Self-paced online format

Program Description

The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Graduate Certificate is designed for working professionals who want to develop expertise in greenhouse gas accounting, emissions measurement, and carbon management strategies. This program provides comprehensive training in the technical and business aspects of carbon management.

Course Curriculum

Course 1: Foundations in GHG Accounting I

• Introduction to greenhouse gas science and policy
• Overview of GHG accounting standards and protocols
• Organizational boundaries and operational control concepts
• Direct emissions (Scope 1) identification and quantification

Course 2: Foundations in GHG Accounting II

• Indirect emissions from electricity (Scope 2) accounting
• Activity data collection and management
• Emission factor selection and application
• Data quality assessment and uncertainty analysis

Course 3: Value-Chain GHG Accounting

• Scope 3 emissions identification and quantification
• Supply chain emissions assessment
• Product life cycle analysis
• Vendor engagement and data collection strategies

Course 4: GHG Mitigation and Management

• Emissions reduction strategy development
• Carbon offset evaluation and procurement
• Internal carbon pricing mechanisms
• Verification and assurance processes

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Professional Experience: Relevant work experience preferred but not required
• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency with spreadsheet applications

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

Carbon Analyst

• Conduct organizational carbon footprint assessments
• Develop emissions reduction strategies
• Monitor and report on climate performance
• Support sustainability reporting and disclosure

Emissions Reduction Specialist

• Identify and evaluate emission reduction opportunities
• Implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
• Manage carbon offset procurement and retirement
• Coordinate with internal teams on climate initiatives

Climate Consulting Professional

• Provide GHG accounting services to client organizations
• Conduct climate risk assessments
• Develop climate action plans
• Support regulatory compliance and voluntary reporting

Corporate Sustainability Manager

• Lead organizational sustainability initiatives
• Manage ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting
• Engage with stakeholders on climate commitments
• Coordinate with executive leadership on climate strategy

Application Process

Application Requirements

• Completed online application
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Resume or CV demonstrating professional experience
• Statement of purpose (500 words maximum)
• Two professional references

Application Deadlines

• Fall Start: August 1st application deadline
• Spring Start: December 1st application deadline
• Rolling Admissions: Applications reviewed on ongoing basis

Contact Information

Email: SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone: 928-523-9333
Location: Room A108, Building 11, Ashurst, NAU Flagstaff Campus

For detailed information about the Greenhouse Gas Accounting Certificate program, including curriculum details, faculty profiles, and application procedures, please contact our program team.