Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change
Lead the Fight Against Climate Change. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges. This program blends cutting-edge climate science with innovative policy solutions, empowering you to create real-world impact in your community and beyond. Whether you’re an experienced professional or looking to transition into the climate field, this certificate equips you with the tools to drive sustainable change.
At a Glance
Delivery: Online | Credential: Certificate | Credits: 9 | Next start: January 05, 2026
Earn your Graduate-Level Certificate online in less than a year!
Why take this program at the Royal Roads University?
RANKED #1
- Royal Roads University has ranked as the #1 public University in Canada for Active and Collaborative Learning (NSSE 2013) and the #1 public University in Canada for Level of Academic Challenge (NSSE 2013).
NEW WORLD, NEW MODEL
- At Royal Roads University, it’s not just one thing that makes us different. It’s the powerful combination of how we do things differently. It starts with our flexible admission. It runs through our unparalleled educational environment, on campus and online. It shines in our unique learning model. All of this is what defines the RRU experience. And sets us apart.
A CHANGE-YOUR-LIFE EXPERIENCE
- The Royal Roads University educational approach isn’t just about deep knowledge subject matter, but an even deeper knowledge of self. A Royal Roads education not only provides graduates with practical skills to propel their careers, it also enables personal transformations to help create better people, not just better professionals.
About the Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change
The Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change offers a comprehensive program to prepare you for the complex, interdisciplinary challenges posed by climate change. This certificate blends cutting-edge climate science with innovative policy development, empowering you to design effective strategies that address the global climate crisis. Through hands-on projects, theoretical learning, and engagement with climate professionals, you will build the skills needed to identify, assess, and implement climate solutions at local, national, and global levels.
With a focus on practical application, this program equips you with the tools to become a leader in climate science and policy, driving meaningful change in your community, workplace, or organization.
Explore our Job Board for Career Opportunities after Graduating from the SPCC!
POSSIBLE CAREERS
- Climate Change, Air Quality
- Engineer or Scientist
- Principal/Senior Principal, Sustainable Investing
- Policy Advisor – Resilience
- Climate Change Specialist
- Sustainability Consultant
- Climate Action Analyst
- Energy Policy Analyst
Program Details
This fully online program consists of three courses that can be completed in less than a year. The curriculum includes a combination of readings, interactive lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects, providing a flexible yet rigorous learning experience. Basic computer skills are necessary to navigate course materials and contribute to discussions meaningfully.
Participants are required to complete all three courses, which are designed to integrate scientific knowledge with climate policy strategies. These courses are typically 10-20 weeks long and include both individual and group assignments.
The certificate can also be applied towards a Master’s degree in Environmental Practice or Environmental Management at Royal Roads University, allowing you to continue your education while gaining industry-recognized credentials.
Admission Requirements
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN SCIENCE AND POLICY OF CLIMATE CHANGE
- Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field, with a minimum grade ‘B’ (3.00/4.33 GPA), from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- At least two years of relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Applicants who meet the degree requirement, but not the GPA requirement, will normally be required to take “Academic Writing and Critical Thinking” and obtain a minimum final grade of B (73%).
FLEXIBLE ADMISSION
Applicants who do not meet the Standard Admission requirements will be considered for Flexible Admission and assessed as follows
- Normally, applicants will have six years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- All flexible admission applicants will normally be required to take “Academic Writing and Critical Thinking” and obtain a minimum final grade of B (73%).
Certificate in Indigenous Environmental Leadership
Overview
If you’re passionate about making a difference in climate science and policy, the Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change is designed for you. This program covers essential topics such as:
- Climate Science and its Global Impacts
- Policy Development and Climate Governance
- Implementing Climate Solutions in Organizations
With a focus on bridging science and policy, this certificate prepares you for roles that address the urgent and complex challenges of climate change.
There is a growing need for professionals in specialized areas, including:
- Climate Policy and Legislation
- Environmental Governance and Management
- Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions
Domestic
$7,210 (Entire Program)
International
$9,567 (Entire Program)
Graduate Ready: Education Designed for the Workforce
The partnership between Royal Roads University and ECO Canada was created to address the growing demand for environmental professionals equipped with practical, industry-standard skills. This collaboration ensures that the Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change program provides students with cutting-edge training aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and informed by ECO Canada’s leading environmental labor market research.
Upon completing the Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change, you’ll meet the academic requirements for Environmental Professional (EP®) certification, giving you a competitive edge and preparing you for immediate entry into the workforce.
Ready to take the next step?
Call RRU — 1.877.778.6227
Email — learn.more@royalroads.ca
Visit — royalroads.ca/environment
Embarking on higher studies can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Get in touch with Royal Roads University Admissions Team to guide you on the next steps.
Fundamental Climate Change Knowledge
Earn your Graduate-Level Certificate Online
Make a difference. Work hands-on with organizations to solve climate challenges locally and globally.
The first of its kind in Canada, this graduate certificate gives you an efficient and engaging way to break into the climate science field, or to build on your current knowledge.
Learn about multifaceted challenges of climate change and related issues, examine current science and policy innovations, and develop an interdisciplinary knowledge base about climate change causes and impacts. In this program, you’ll also build practical skills that will empower you to identify climate challenges and solutions and how to act on them.
ECO Canada has partnered with Royal Roads University to offer this interdisciplinary training available completely online:
- 3-course program
- Combines technical knowledge with practical skill development
- Can be completed in less than 1 year
This graduate certificate is designed for practitioners who want to move into the expanding field of climate science and policy. The completion of a bachelor’s degree is required for admission to this certificate program; flexible admission is available (download the guide for more info).
The 3 courses are taken in sequence, with the final course including a unique, experiential work placement in Climate Solutions with a government, civil society, or Indigenous or community organization.
Fill out the form to download the Program Guide for full details.
What Will You Learn In This Climate Change Certificate?
Gain in-depth knowledge in both the science and policy side of climate change for a full picture to help you navigate the implications for your organization and provide expertise on solutions to address climate change impacts.
Download the Program Guide for more details include:
- Program curriculum details
- Types of jobs available with this training
- Fees and available financial aid
- Outcomes you can expect
- Admission requirements
About this partnership:
The Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change is offered through the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education (CCEE). ECO Canada and Royal Roads University are the founders of CCEE. It was created in accordance with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Environmental Employment. The NOS refers to relevant competencies identified by industry experts as necessary for particular occupation.
The CCEE’s goal is to provide advanced education, training, and professional development tailored to the Canadian environment industry.
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