Interested in learning more about the environment? Whether you want to understand the basics of topics such as climate science and environmental sustainability, advance in or pivot to a career in a related field, or prepare for future graduate studies in earth and environmental science, Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) offers a program that can help you meet your goals—designed and led by world-renowned faculty and experienced practitioners. Choose the path that provides the best opportunities for you.
What’s right for you?
Certificate in Climate Change
Gain an understanding of Earth’s climate system and how it has changed over time—as well as how human innovation and policy can mitigate or adapt to climate impacts—while you develop the communication skills to more effectively share an understanding of this complex global issue with a broad audience.
- Earn an academic certificate and undergraduate-level academic credit
- Ideal for working adults seeking to understand climate change and how it will affect their personal or professional life
- Complete 4 accelerated 8-week undergraduate courses for a total of 32 weeks; can be completed in one year
- Fully online and asynchronous; does not require residency in Philadelphia
- No application or prerequisites required; you are eligible if you have attained a high school diploma
- Enroll any time for a fall, spring, or summer start
Learn more about Penn LPS Online's Certificate in Climate Change.
Master of Environmental Studies
Translate your passion for the environment into a fulfilling career with broad interdisciplinary knowledge, professional networks, and the option to customize your curriculum or tailor your degree with a concentration in environmental biology, environmental policy, environmental resilience and adaptation, environmental sustainability, resource management, or urban environment.
- Earn a master’s degree, or combine with select graduate programs for a dual degree or multi-master’s degree
- Ideal for students who want to pivot to an environmental career or apply environmental expertise to their current field
- Complete 12 courses, including a capstone project, in two years of full-time study or at a part-time flexible pace
- Study on a green campus in the heart of Philadelphia and take daytime or evening courses to suit your schedule
- A bachelor’s degree in any field is required to apply, and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional
- Apply for a fall or spring start
Learn more about Penn's Master of Environmental Studies.
Online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences
Deepen your knowledge in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology, and work with leading academic researchers and experienced practitioners to enhance your exposure to industry best practices, methods, and technologies.
- Earn a master’s degree, or combine with select graduate programs for a dual degree or multi-master’s degree
- Ideal for experienced geoscientists looking to advance in the field
- Complete 12 courses, including a project design thesis, in two years of full-time study or at a part-time flexible pace
- Fully online and asynchronous, with an optional on-campus summer course focusing on geologic field methods; does not require residency in Philadelphia
- A bachelor’s degree in geology, engineering, chemistry, math, earth science, or the equivalent is required to apply; the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional
- Apply for a fall or spring start
Learn more about Penn's Online Master of Science in Applied Geosciences.
Master of Liberal Arts
Design your own curriculum by choosing courses across the University and combining different disciplines to tackle the question or project the motivates you. Environmentally motivated students can customize their degree with a certificate in Environmental Studies by taking at least five courses in that field.
- Earn a master’s degree, with the option to complete a graduate certificate at the same time
- Ideal for students who wish to draw from different disciplines to approach a creative project or pursue a research query related to the environment
- Complete 9 courses, including a capstone project in one year, of full-time study or at a part-time flexible pace
- Take daytime or evening courses on campus, and online courses when available
- A bachelor’s degree in any field is required to apply, and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional
- Apply for a fall, spring, or summer start
Learn more about Penn's Master of Liberal Arts.
