Graduate

Certificate
in
Science and Policy of
Climate Change

Program Overview
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A N o t e F r o m t h e Te a m a t R o y a l R o a d s U n i v e r s i t y
and ECO Canada

As a seeker of knowledge, we hope that this guide is of use to

you on your continuing educ ation journey. A s you decide which
program to take, and discern if this cer tificate is right for
you, please know that we are happy to answer your questions
and help in any way we can.

As you go through this guide, you'll discover what sets this

certificate program apart. One thing we are proud to share
is how our partnership has helped to shape this program,
and create real-world outcomes based on the exact skills and
knowledge being sought by environmental employers.

Keep seeking and happy reading!

A B O U T T H E P R O G R A M 4

P R O G R A M O U T CO M E S 6

W H Y C H O O S E R OYA L R O A D S U N I V E R S I T Y ? 8

S C H O O L O F E N V I R O N M E N T A N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 10

P R O G R A M D E L I V E R Y 12

P R O G R A M C U R R I C U L U M 13

E M P L OY M E N T O U T CO M E S F O R G R A D U AT E S 14

O CC U PAT I O N S , S P E C I A L I Z AT I O N S A N D E M P L OY M E N T 16

I N - D E M A N D S K I L L S S O U G H T B Y E M P L OY E R S 18

T U I T I O N F E E S & F I N A N C I A L A I D 20

P R O G R A M I N TA K E D AT E S 2 1

A D M I S S I O N S 2 2

C O N TA C T U S 2 3

A B O U T E C O C A N A D A A N D C C E E 24

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A B O U T T H E G R A D U AT E C E R T I F I C AT E
I N S C I E N C E A N D P O L I C Y O F C L I M AT E
CHANGE

PRO G R A M OV E RV I E W

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and urgently
needs dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate professionals to tackle it.

Royal Roads Universit y's Graduate Cer tif icate in Science and Polic y of Climate Change, the
f irst of its kind in Canada, integrates the most up-to-date science and polic y innovations to
give you the critical knowledge, interdisciplinar y education, and prac tical skills to empower
you to identif y climate challenges and solutions and ac t on them.

The program is designed for environmental professionals with undergraduate degrees who
want to move into the burgeoning f ield of climate science and polic y and make a dif ference in
their communities, their workplaces and the world.

This cer tif icate consists of three courses delivered entirely online and can be completed
in less than a year. You’ll be introduced to the leading-edge science and the wide-ranging
impac ts of climate change, climate polic y innovations, and governance from local to global
levels.

You’ll carr y out an experiential, hands-on projec t to address climate change in an

organization and walk away with real-world experience in creating climate solutions.


T H E PRO G R A M I S A L S O D E S I G N E D F O R :

• Environmental practitioners who want to earn or retain

a professional certification
• Professionals in other fields who want to transition to
climate careers
• Environmental professionals aiming for managerial
positions
• Mid-career professionals who are considering a career
change
• Graduates from international university environmental
programs with relevant work experience

Yo u c an co mp l e te t h e ce r t i f ic a te as a s t a n d - a l o n e c re d e n t ia l , o r y o u
ma y t ake in di v i dua l co ur s e s as e l e c t i ve s to w a rd s:

• Master's in Environmental Prac tice

• Master's in Environmental Management
• Other graduate programs at Royal Roads Universit y

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PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The program is uniquely designed to give you the knowledge and

the practical, interdisciplinary education and skills you need to act
on climate issues in diverse sectors.

You’ll learn about the leading-edge science and wide-ranging impacts of climate
change as well as climate policy and governance at local to global levels. You’ll also
work directly with an organization on a real-world project tackling climate change
issues and developing solutions.

Upon completion, you’ll have the critical skills to respond to climate imperatives
by applying science and developing policy innovations. You’ll know how to develop,
implement and evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies for moving forward.
The program will also give you the knowledge and skills you need to effectively
communicate climate issues to the public, policymakers and the media.

The applied knowledge you attain with this certificate will open many career
opportunities, enabling you to make a difference now and in the future.


GRADUATES OF THE CER TI FIC A T E IN S C IEN CE A N D PO L IC Y O F

CLIMATE CH ANGE WI LL BE A B L E TO:

• Relate their knowledge to environmental issues in their work environment

• Assess the environmental and socio-economic elements of sustaining a healthy

environment and societal well-being as an environmental practitioner

• Act as a leader who can meet the fundamental challenges of addressing complex
environmental issues

• Make decisions that require a broad understanding of environmental knowledge,

policy and regulation, and leadership skills

• Prepare, communicate and implement action plans

• Possess a broad environmental vision and a sound understanding of how

environmental issues are addressed under different jurisdictions and the dynamics of
both public and private sectors

• Possess the skills and knowledge to coordinate and integrate different perspectives to
aid public and private bodies in making informed decisions

• Develop and evaluate goals, objectives and strategies, taking a range of perspectives
into consideration

• Solve problems effectively in differing workplace situations

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W H Y C H O O S E R O YA L R O A D S
UNIVERSITY?

Royal Roads University will give you the tools, training and connections
to help you succeed in your degree program and prepare you for the
career of your dreams.

N E W W O R L D , N E W M ODEL

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 education environment, on campus and
online. It shines in our unique learning model. All of this is what defines the Royal
Roads University experience and sets us apart.

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).
 R O Y A L R O A D S U N I V E R S I T Y

90 100
S T U D E N T P R O F I L E A G E B R E A K D O W N

The Graduate Certificate program attract students from

80
all age groups and demographics.

70
60
22-26 27-33 34-40 41-49 50+

50
40
30
20
64% 36%

10
FEMALE MALE

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SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT AND

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

M A K E T HE P L A N E T A B E TTE R P L A C E – TH A T’ S O U R GO A L , A S W EL L A S
Y OUR S.

Studying environmental problems is one thing; coming up with solutions is another. The
environment and sustainability programs at Royal Roads University give you the skills,
knowledge and tools to make an impact on the greatest issues of our time.

P UT I D EA S IN TO A C TIO N

In our programs, you’ll gain knowledge of environmental science and community action
models while doing hands-on research that seeks to resolve real-world environmental
challenges.

A T R UE SEN S E O F C O M M U N ITY

Sustainability requires reconciling human, social, ecological and economic imperatives.

Our unique learning model fosters leadership, teamwork and creative problem-solving
skills that prove invaluable in bringing diverse interests to a common purpose.

L EV ER A GI N G E X P E R IE N C E

Learning happens everywhere, and everyone brings previous experience to their

program. Students without the formal requirements may be granted admission through
our flexible admission process that looks at your life learning as well as your academic
history.
FA CULTY P ROF I LE

G ra duate Ce r ti f i c ate in S cie n ce an d Po lic y of C lima te C han ge

Pro g ram H ea d , D r. L e s lie K in g

Prof. Leslie King is program head of the Graduate Certificate in Science and
Policy of Climate Change, and the Master of Arts and Master of Science in
Environmental Practice programs at Royal Roads University. She directs the
Canadian Centre for Environmental Education in partnership with ECO
Canada.

She holds degrees from the University of British Columbia, York University,
University of Toronto and the London School of Economics. Recent research
projects include Meeting the Climate Change Challenge (MC3), Protected
Areas and Poverty Reduction in Africa and Canada, Arctic Climate Predic-
tions: Pathways to Sustainable Resilient Societies (ARCPATH), Northern
Knowledge for Resilience, Sustainable Environments and Adaptation in
Coastal Communities in the Circumpolar Arctic (NORSEACC) and Clam
Gardens in BC: Eco-cultural Restoration.

King also serves on the boards of several environmental, arts and humani-
tarian organizations and as Chair for the Swedish Research Council.

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PROGRAM DELIVERY

PROGR AM STRUCTURE

The Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change program consists of 3
graduate-level courses (3 credits each for a total of 9 credits) delivered entirely online,
using web-based technologies and the Royal Roads learning platform - Moodle. The
program is designed to be completed in less than one year.

Throughout the program, you’ll participate in online modules, discussions, and projects
with classmates and instructors. You’ll submit assignments and receive feedback online.
You’ll draw upon web resources, podcasts, videos, online news stories as well as more
traditional print media including textbooks, articles and case studies to sustain interactive
learning with classmates from around the world.

CURRI CULUM OVERVI EW

The certificate courses are taken one at a time and are typically taken in sequence
starting with the Science and Impacts of Climate Change, followed by Climate Policy and
Governance, and then Climate Solutions. The culminating course includes the Climate
Solutions project which will require you to work with an organization on a climate
initiative for a minimum of 75 hours.

All three courses are applied in nature, use real-world case studies and benefit from the
contributions of climate researchers, experts, and practitioners.

PRO G R A M H I G H L I G H T S

10 0 % O N L I N E

3 G R A D UAT E - L E V E L CO U R S E S

CAN BE COMPLETED IN LESS THAN A YEAR

E X P E R I E N T I A L W O R K P L AC E M E N T F O C U S E D O N C L I M AT E S O LU T I O N S

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

COURS E DETAI LS

Science and Impacts of Climate Change

Course length: 10 weeks

This is a foundational introductory, interdisciplinary course about the nature, causes, and impacts of

climate change. Impacts covered will include warming, sea level rise, melting of permafrost and altered

distribution and migration patterns as well as impacts on livelihoods and cultures. It will combine

perspectives from Geology, Biology, Sociology and Modelling.

Climate Policy and Governance

Course length: 10 weeks

This course reviews and evaluates existing policy instruments and governance institutions designed

to address climate change (both adaptation and mitigation) now and in the future e.g. COP process

including COP 21- the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, local, regional and national policies in Canada and

elsewhere. It will include human dimensions of such policies and governance such as gender, equity,

indigenous rights, communication and others.

Climate Solutions
Course length: 20 weeks

Climate Solutions is an experiential course that enables you to work with your own or other

organizations addressing climate change. It represents the transdisciplinary part of the course as it

promotes working with non-academic organizations and incorporating other ways of knowing. You will

arrange placements with First Nations, Government Departments at any level, Business and Industry

and Civil Society, or NGOs. You'll work with a supervisor in that organization as well as an academic

advisor to enable them to wrest meaning from the experience and add value to the organization.

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E M P LOY M E N T O U TCO M E S F O R
G R A D U AT E S

THE FUTUR E OF THE ENVI R ON M EN T A L S ECTOR IN C A N A D A

Climate issues continue to drive the need for increasingly

stringent policies and legislation in Canada and beyond.

There is a growing need for professionals with the knowledge and education to
guide the science and the policy of climate change.

The Canadian Environmental Sector can be divided into three main areas:

• Environmental Protection

• Natural Resource Management

• Sustainability

Almost 30% of environmental professionals work in an area that overlaps these

sectors showing the demand for workers with a multidisciplinary skill set.

Almost a quarter of the environmental workforce is poised to hit retirement age

within the next decade. This labour market gap will need to be filled by experienced
professionals with the right tools and knowledge to face future environmental
challenges.
S T E P U P IN Y O UR CARE E R

ECO Canada's research indicates that current employment

trends will leave a gap that emerging professionals will have
the opportunity to fill and to step into these high-demand
roles.

Becoming a part of the environmental workforce takes the

right education, training and skills to succeed. The Graduate
Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change was
designed to meet the challenges facing employers in Canada
and beyond, and to give graduates the knowledge and insights
required to advance their careers in Canada's burgeoning
environmental sector and its related industries.

NEARL Y 1 I N 4 WORKERS A RE EXPECT ED

TO RET I RE I N T HE N EXT 1 0 YEARS

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E N V I R O N M E N TA L O C C U P AT I O N S &
S P E C I A L I Z AT I O N S

Within the Environmental Sector, there are 14 areas of

specialization divided into three main areas.

PROT EC T ION
A IR Q UA L I T Y
WAT ER Q UA L I T Y
SI T E A S SE S SMEN T & R EC L A M AT I O N
WA S T E M A N AG EMEN T
HE A LT H & S A F E T Y

R E S OURCE M A N AGE ME N T
ENERG Y
F I SHER IE S & W IL D L IF E
N AT U R A L R E S O U RC E M A N AG EMEN T

S U S TA IN A B ILI T Y
SUS TA IN A B IL I T Y
ED U C AT I O N & T R A ININ G
R E SE A RC H & D E V ELO PMEN T
P O L I C Y & L EG I SL AT I O N
CO MM U NI C AT I O N S & PU B L I C AWA R ENE S S

EN V IRO NMEN TA L M A N AG ER : a mul t i dis c lip lina r y p

 T O P IN DUSTRIES WI TH CLI M ATE CH A N G E
ROLES

1. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

2. Finance and Insurance

3. Manufacturing

4. Information Technology

5. Wholesale Trade

6. Administrative Support and Waste Management

7. Public Administration

8. Educational Services

9. Other Services

p o si t io n o v e r lap p ing a ll 3 a reas

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IN-DEMAND SKILLS SOUGHT BY EMPLOYERS

TOP 5 TECHNICAL SKILLS

POLICY AND LEGISLATION

Research conducted by ECO Canada
45%
determined the top skills employers

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE 43% need.

SUSTAINABILITY 42% Policy and Legislation, Climate

Change, and Sustainability are all
SITE ASSESSMENT & RECLAMATION 42% within the top 5. These skills are in
high demand, along with the need
CLIMATE CHANGE 41% for generalists.

SOFT SKILLS IN DEMAND

PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMUNIC AT ION REPORT WRITING

COLL A BOR AT ION LEADERSHIP AT T I T UDE

GROWTH IN JOB POSTINGS JOB TITLES OF EP MEMBERS IN

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate-related job categories are growing for The following jobs are becoming increasingly
environmental professionals across Canada. prevalent in ECO Canada's EP Community:

• Climate Change, Air Quality Engineer or 1. Climate Change Analyst

Scientist 
2. Emissions Technologist
• Principal/Senior Principal, Sustainable
Investing  3. Air Quality & Climate Change Specialist

• Manager, Sustainability (Climate Change)  4. Climate Change Project Technologist

• Sector Specialist (Clean Technology)  5. Sustainability Advisor

• Policy Advisor – Resilience  6. Manager of Climate Change Programs

• Climate Change Specialist 

• Sustainability Consultant

• Climate Action Analyst 

• Energy Policy Analyst 

• Energy Specialist 

I N D U S T RY R E L E VA N C E

ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP TO TOP EP®

D E S I G N A T I O N ( E P ®) SPECIALIZATIONS

ECO Canada's EP Designation is the only national 1. Air Quality

designation specif ic to environmental work. 2. Water Quality

3. Site Assessment & Reclamation

The EP communit y is comprised of professionals 4. Waste Management

working across 14 areas of specialization who have 5. Sustainability

met the threshold of education and experience to 6. Policy & Legislation

be awarded designation. 7. Environmental Manager

To obtain EP, they are evaluated against a set of

competenc y standards aligned with the National

Occupational Standards (NOS) for Environmental

Employment. 19
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TUITION FEES

Tuition fees for the Graduate Certificate in Science

and Policy of Climate Change are listed on the Royal
Roads University website.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial planning is a crucial component of early

educational planning. The Financial Aid & Awards
team can provide information and support on a
variety of funding sources and award opportunities.

LOANS

A variety of loan options are available to Royal

Roads students including Government Student
Loans, Bank Loans, Student Line of Credit, $5,000
Interest Free Loans and Emergency Loans. Learn
more.
UPCOMING PROGRAM
I N TA K E DAT E S

Check the Royal Roads University website for the most up-to-date
information.

Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change start

dates and schedule can be found here.

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S TA N DA R D A D M I S S I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S

GRAD UATE CER TI F I CA T E IN S C IEN CE

AND P OLI CY OF CL IM A TE CHA N G E

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%).

F L E X IB L E A D M IS S IO N

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%).

E N G L IS H L A N G U A G E P RO F I CI ENCY

If English is not your primary language, please review our

English Language Requirements.
 R E A DY TO S TA RT YO U R A P P L I CAT I O N?

E M B A R K I NG O N H IG H E R S TU D IE S C A N BE BO TH EX H I L A RA TI NG A ND NERVE-
W R A CK I NG. G E T IN TO U C H W ITH R O YA L RO A DS U NI VERSI TY A DMI SSI O NS TEA M TO
G UI D E Y OU O N TH E N E X T S TE P S .

C O N TA C T U S

If you have questions or would like help to better understand the programs or admission requirements, Royal Roads
University is here to help:

Call Us — 1.877.778.6227

E-mail us — learn.more@royalroads.ca

Visit — royalroads.ca/environment

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A B O U T E CO CA N A DA

ECO Canada is the steward for the Canadian environmental workforce across all industries.

From job creation and wage funding, to training and labour market research – we champion
the end-to-end career of an environmental professional.

Our aim is to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth while also
ensuring that environmental care and best practice is a priority.
C A N A D I A N C E N T R E F O R E N V I R O N M E N TA L
E D U C AT I O N

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.
NOS refers to relevant competencies identified by industry experts as necessary for a
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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We want to hear from you.

Contact Royal Roads University to learn more.

1.877.778.6227

learn.more@royalroads.ca

royalroads.ca/environment