EUGENE, Ore. -- (May 4, 2011) - The University of Oregon is one of the first universities to offer a one-year graduate certificate program in sustainable practices.
Oregon Leadership in Sustainability (OLIS) is a one-year, full-time interdisciplinary program geared toward students with a bachelor's degree who desire more applied skills training in all areas of sustainability. The program addresses the need for future leaders in the public, private and nonprofit sectors in fields such as water, waste, transportation and land use.
"The program focuses on a wide spectrum of sustainability issues in cities - issues that students will face once they graduate," says Rich Margerum, Planning, Public Policy and Management department head. "There are jobs out there that haven't been created yet, and programs like this prepare students for that. It adds another dimension to a master's program and offers students a chance to specialize their learning experience."
The program, divided into three terms, includes four required core courses - Ecological Design, Sustainability Theory, Green Cities, Energy and Carbon, and Ecological Design. In addition, students will work in a year-long practicum with a client organization on a sustainability project while learning leadership, analysis and implementation processes.
"We want students to develop skill sets in all areas of sustainability," OLIS Program Assistant Anya Dobrowolski says. "The program is a way for students to understand the technical language of planning and policy issues, become leaders in sustainable development and gain the needed experience of working in a professional environment."
OLIS applications are currently being accepted. Offered through the Planning, Public Policy and Management department, the interdisciplinary program welcomes students of all backgrounds who would like to expand their knowledge of sustainability. The certificate program may be completed concurrent with other graduate programs.
"OLIS is a program that aims to create concrete skills for students beyond the classroom," says Margerum. "It's a great way to enhance the learning experience and increase employment opportunities after graduation in sustainable professions."
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.
Contact: Karen Johnson, AAA Communications, 541-346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu
Source: Anya Dobrowolski, OLIS Program Coordinator, 541-346-0227, adobrowo@uoregon.edu, Vicki Elmer, OLIS Program Director, (541) 346-8227, velmer@uoregon.edu, Rich Margerum, PPPM Associate Professor/Department Head and OLIS Faculty Director, 541-346-2526, rdm@uoregon.edu
Link: http://olis.uoregon.edu/
Story by Emily Wilson
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