GCGS Overview

This 9 credit hour graduate certificate is designed for professionals seeking training and experience in international sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability in emerging economies. Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability (GCGS) is ideal for students from all professions and disciplines, and from around the world. All courses are offered online, so you can study at your own pace.

For more information, click here to access our website.

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.

Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

GCGS Admission Requirements

Students can apply for the Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability (GCGS) as a degree-seeking student or non-degree Commonwealth Campus student at Virginia Tech, or as a visiting student from another institution. If you are not currently enrolled as a graduate student, you must apply for graduate admission through the Virginia Tech Graduate School as a Graduate Certificate status applicant. Requirements for admission include:

Completed undergraduate degree
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Current resume/ CV
Personal goal statement
Completed application
No GRE required; TOEFL may be required for international students

Course Requirements & Global Study location

The GCGS can be completed in a single academic term or over the course of several semesters. All NR courses are offered 100% online.

Required coursework:

NR 5114 Global Issues in Environmental Sustainability** - 3 hours
NR Elective - 3 hours
NR Elective - 3 hours

** As part of our mission to build leadership for global sustainability, the required NR 5114 Global Issues in ES course includes a 10-day in-person, team-based study abroad experience. Additional costs include the program fee + round-trip airfare. Locations include:

Argentina
Finland
Ireland
Italy
South Africa
Spain

Given the dynamic nature of travel at the moment, we are following Virginia Tech’s travel and study abroad policies to inform our decisions on destinations and timing.