FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sustainable Practices Certificate
Q: How do I register for the Sustainable Practices Certificate program?
The registration process is very easy! We ask prospective students to fill out a one-page Registration Form and sign our Program Policies and Requirements Form. You can download the registration forms here, or contact our office at (415) 485-3217, or email us at certificate@dominican.edu.
Policies and Requirements Form
Q: What will I learn from this program?
A unique feature of this program is that each student has the opportunity to follow the course of study that is most pertinent to them. After all students complete Foundations in Sustainability, and begin the Professional Core each student will focus on course work designed to meet their needs, interests, or future plans. Examples of available areas of study include: green building and green design, renewable energy, green business, policy and legislation, resource management, environmental education, landscaping, permaculture, sustainable community development, and many more!
Q: What if I don’t know what I am going to do with the Certificate after graduation - is that okay?
Of course! We will work with each student to help determine his or her strengths, interests, and hopes and then plan out a specialized course of instruction. Our courses, programmatic pieces, and staff assistance will help our students determine how to apply the knowledge and skills they gain to future endeavors.
Q: How will this program help me?
Our program is designed to give you both a deep understanding of sustainability foundations and issues as well as practical expertise in the sustainability-related field of your choice. Upon graduation, all participants will have completed a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on sustainability work, and possibly much more. It is our intention that students will use the knowledge and skills gained from this program in their workplaces and your communities.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A one-time Program Fee of $3000 covers Registration, Dominican Courses, and the Internship/Capstone portions of the program. Because participants will enroll in programs, courses, workshops, or seminars with other Bay Area environmental organizations in order to complete the Electives portion, they will be subject to the fees charged by those organizations. However many of those programs are offered for free or low-cost, and Dominican will help each student find the right option for them.
EARLY REGISTRATION SPECIAL! 15% DISCOUNT IF REGISTERED AND PAID BY JULY 31, 2010.
Q: Does the program require full-time attendance?
Yes, but with some flexibility. We do strongly suggest that students attend every one of the two courses on campus (10 classes). But due to the fact that many of our program participants are adults with other career and personal obligations, we understand that it may be difficult to work the program into busy lives. Required classes meet on Saturdays or Sundays, but the Electives, Internship, and Capstone portions can be adjusted to each participant’s unique schedule.
Q: How long does the program take to complete?
Each student can complete the Certificate according to his or her own pace. The Certificate can be awarded in as little as six months or can be completed over the course of a few years. Our suggested time frame, to receive sufficient support from the program faculty and staff, is no more than one-and-a-half years, as momentum is a key factor in this program.
Q: Is it possible to use this Certificate towards a more advanced degree at Dominican?
You may receive some credit for the two Dominican courses through the Pathways program. Please contact us for more information.
Q: Can I be an enrolled Dominican University undergraduate student, and take this program for credit towards my BA?
Humanities students now have this option! Please see your academic counselor to review your major's requirements, arrange registration, and discuss the options for our capstone/internship projects and how they may correspond to Dominican's requirements. You may be able to coordinate your efforts!
