Certificate in Arctic Studies

Our students become well-versed in the pressing environmental, political and cultural issues of the Far North, and can pursue careers in international politics, diplomacy, Indigenous rights, environmental science and humanistic scholarship.

The undergraduate certificate in arctic studies teaches students how to address pressing environmental, political and cultural issues in the Far North. The interdisciplinary certificate is offered in collaboration with two programs, three research centers and four departments. Arctic studies is ideal for students pursuing careers in international politics and diplomacy, Indigenous rights, environmental science or humanistic scholarship.

  • Study the effects of global climate change on the Arctic region
  • Understand the interplay between the region’s interests and global issues such as nationalism, territorial rights and law, security, economic development, and resource technology 
  • Learn about the region’s influential and enduring cultures

The university ranks #3 in the world in Earth and environmental sciences

(Center for World University Rankings, 2018)

Learn from professors in top-ranked programs, including ocean engineering, ecology, oceanic and atmospheric sciences, water resources and environmental studies

Designed in cooperation with the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) 

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by applying your knowledge of the Arctic in a variety of related careers.

 

Gain an interdisciplinary education that allows you to connect with cutting-edge and applicable research

 

Researcher, ethnographer, policy analyst and scientist are common job opportunities for our graduates

 

Work for environmental studies organizations, geopolitical entities, Indigenous rights organizations, governmental organizations, and in international politics

Academic Plan & Requirements

The certificate is open to all CU Boulder undergraduates.

Course requirements for the certificate are offered in three categories: 

  • Certificate core courses
  • Environment and policy
  • Culture and society

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Department of Geography has an extensive alumni network working in a variety of industries across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Waleed Abdalati

(PhD'96)
(Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences). He previously served as chief scientist for NASA and head of cryospheric sciences at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

(MA'77)
President and founder of the Extreme Ice Survey and Earth Vision Institute. He is an acclaimed photographer and was featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary Chasing Ice.

Michael Brown

(BA'90)
Has summited Mount Everest five times and made dozens of films on location from the highest peaks in the world, from South America to Antarctica. He’s also a teacher and founder of the Outside Adventure Film School in Boulder. Outside magazine, which sponsors the school, has called him a “swashbuckling librarian.â€

(BA'07)
An assistant professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Adam Serafin

(BA'02)
Lead knowledge analyst in geoanalytics at The Boston Consulting Group.

Jeff Kerridge

(BA'84)
Senior vice president at Digital Globe.