Columbia University in the City of New York offers the world’s foremost graduate degree programs in applied sustainability studies. The Certification in Sustainability Analytics addresses the need to train professionals in quantitative and technical skills central to the practice of sustainability.
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The management adage “What Gets Measured Gets Done” is particularly true as it relates to the implementation of sustainability initiatives. The Certification in Sustainability Analytics trains professionals to develop skills in analytic methods and quantitative analysis that enable practitioners to measure, report, and communicate the sustainability of organizations, products, and services.
Upon completion of this program, students will possess the knowledge and tools to track sustainability indicators, analyze and interpret data, and report upon the findings to industry, nonprofit, and government decision makers. The certification focuses on key topics in accounting, metrics and indices, monitoring procedures, and reporting. Students who complete the certification will have a strong framework that can be used to benchmark performance and develop future sustainability initiatives.
The Certification may be taken as a complement to other graduate degree programs, including the Master of Science in Sustainability Management, or it can be taken as a stand-alone program.
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FACULTY
Instructors include world-class sustainability experts and practitioners with experience at leading companies and public organizations, including the World Bank, the City of New York, the Port Authority of NY & NJ, the Wildlife Conservation Society, The New York Times, Accenture, Bloomberg Associates, Goldman Sachs, White & Case LLP, Heineken USA, Colgate-Palmolive, and the United Nations Development Programme.
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STUDENTS
The Certification in Sustainability Analytics is ideal for sustainability professionals in the New York City metropolitan region. It is applicable across a variety of industries, including: financial services, construction, utilities, energy, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, media, food service, transportation, and technology, among others.
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CURRICULUM
The Certification in Sustainability Analytics requires the successful completion of four courses or 12 points. Students enrolled on a part-time basis can complete the certification requirements in as many as four semesters. Students enrolled on a full-time basis can complete the certification requirements in one semester. Students choose four 3-point courses, including the following course offerings:
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SUMA PS5167 Sustainability Metrics: Corporate Decisions and Use of Data
SUMA PS5168 Sustainability Metrics: Data, Construction and Use
COMMUNITY
Certification students are members of Columbia University’s Earth Institute and the School of Professional Studies communities. The Earth Institute is affiliated with more than 30 academic programs at Columbia University and has developed numerous innovative courses that train students to understand and address the pressing and complex issues of environmental protection and sustainability. The Earth Institute is conducting and applying interdisciplinary scientific research to address many crosscutting issues, while training a new generation of problem solvers to tackle these issues in all areas of society. Certification students are an integral part of a growing network of emerging sustainability professionals and are encouraged to take advantage of all University and co-curricular events and resources.
The certification focuses on key topics in accounting, metrics and indices, monitoring procedures, and reporting. Students who complete the certification will have a strong framework that can
be used to benchmark performance and develop future sustainability initiatives.
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TO APPLY
Application Type: Master's Affiliated CPA Program
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Application Deadlines
Spring 2025
Enrollment: November 1, 2024
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Need help applying? Click here.​