Cultivating Leaders
Of Environmental & Social Change
The Environmental Humanities and Transformative Justice Undergraduate Certificate provides an interdisciplinary and justice-oriented focus on environmental issues, through which students explore the social and cultural dimensions of environmental crises; synthesize ideas at the intersections of the sciences, the humanities, and our communities; and explore transformative possibilities for the future.
Why pursue this certificate?
Meet with your advisor, Mackenzie Beko!
- Students across the University of Utah are concerned with (in)justices that intersect with sustainability, climate change, and other environmental issues. The Environmental Humanities and Transformative Justice Certificate supports students in the exploration of a wide variety of interdisciplinary perspectives on social dimensions of environmental issues and equips them with action-oriented leadership, communication, and social advocacy skills with which they can address complex social and environmental challenges.
- With its emphasis on interdisciplinarity and practical application, the Certificate equips students with collaboration, critical evaluation, problem-solving, and relationship skills that complement careers in a wide range of fields. Students will also work in community settings where they can apply, practice, and reflect on those skills in real-world situations. Ultimately, the breadth of interdisciplinary knowledge and the skills-based projects will prepare students for various forms of environmental and social engagement, advocacy, and activism.
- Upon graduation, students receive a separate diploma for completing the Certificate requirements. A designation will also appear on the student’s transcript.
Certificate Requirements
21 Total Credits
Students must complete 21 total credits across a range of academic disciplines, which include Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies, Communication, History, Anthropology, English, Philosophy, Geology, Atmospheric Science, and Biology. Please see the course catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
*Eligible courses that have already been completed can be applied to the Certificate retroactively.
EHUM 5000
EHUM 5000 is the capstone course to complete the Certificate. This course synthesizes environmental justice theories and provides opportunities for students to practically apply their knowledge, test their skills, and take environmental and social action through community-engaged projects. The capstone is held during spring, so students should plan enrollment accordingly.
Next steps
Interested students from any major should review the requirements for the Certificate and meet with their advisor to verify its suitability for their plan of study. Next, students should submit an interest form to receive emails about events and programming, upcoming courses, and other information related to the Certificate.
Questions?
Reach out to the Faculty Advisor, Melissa Parks, at melissa.m.parks@utah.edu, or the Environmental Humanities Academic Program Manager, Cory Pike, at cory.pike@utah.edu.