New Certificate in Environmental Communication Showcases Southern Oregon University’s Climate & Sustainability Commitments
Emerging from a campus community that stands on the frontlines of drought, fire and climate crisis, the Communication, Media & Cinema program’s new certificate focuses on the science and the craft of effective communication regarding environmentalism and sustainability.
Created in close collaboration with faculty in SOU’s Environmental Science and Policy program, the certificate aims to prepare the next generation of eco-advocates, journalists, and educators to communicate issues regarding sustainability and the environment to a public audience.
“The Certificate prepares students for careers in community outreach, public information, public advocacy, or strategic communication,” said Vincent Smith, Director of SOU’s Division of Business, Communication & the Environment, “It is exciting to see SOU’s interdisciplinary expertise being used to address one of the 21st century’s most critical challenges.”
Students explore the fundamentals of environmental science and policy through both social and scientific lenses. Additionally, students will emerge from the certification with a thorough understanding of several fields in media communication, including multimedia journalism, photography, and social media management. This certification is a valuable supplement for several degree paths, including Communication, Business, Social Science & Anthropology, and Environmental Science.
“The classes I’ve taken for the Environmental Communication certificate have given me the skills to communicate environmental issues and concerns to a wider audience,” said Carmen Davis, a third-year student at SOU. “This program gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for environmentalism with my chosen field of communication and media production. I’ll carry the knowledge I’ve gained from these courses for the rest of my career.”
Certificates deploy short courses of study that focus on a specific professional field or area of expertise. Students can pursue certificates to supplement a four-year degree or complete them as a stand-alone credential.
The Certificate in Environmental Communications is a 36-credit program. Options for introductory courses in this certificate include:
Please see further information on this certificate here:
Story and photo by Ripley Pierotti, Community Manager for the Communication, Media & Cinema Program at Southern Oregon University.
