Sustainability College Credit Certificate

Do you enjoy living the green lifestyle and want to help others do the same? Mold your technical literacy with alternative energy sources and sustainable practices and help businesses use or create alternative energy sources and master emerging technologies. In this certificate program, you’ll design and create a final capstone project customized to your program of focus.

Getting Started: Summer 2024

March 18:  Financial Aid

May 6:  Application

May 13:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Dedicated faculty: Faculty are "scholar-practitioners" with industry experience as well as academic credentials.  
  • Affordable tuition: Seminole State has significantly lower costs than Florida's universities.
  • Industry involvement: Our industry-focused certificate programs offer excellent connections to Central Florida employers.
  • Hands-on experience: Practical, hands-on learning experiences prepare students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
  • Continuing education: Many credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) or bachelor's degree at Seminole State. 
  • Career advancement: Graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce upon certificate completion.

Additional Information

Sustainability
Type: College Credit Certificate
Major Code: ENRG-CC
CIP: 0615170100

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Summer 2024
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Alternative Energy Sources
3
Credits
As the demand for energy grows worldwide, there has been an increased emphasis on utilization of non-conventional power sources. This course addresses and explores technological advances in alternative forms of energy. Characteristics of both conventional and emerging technologies such as nuclear, hydro-electric, solar, wind, geo-thermal, ocean energy, hydrogen and battery-electric will be explored. Students will be exposed to the obstacles of alternative energy development and technological challenges of their implementation such as cost, infrastructure and availability bases on geography. Pollution and global climate change will be discussed. Identification of major outdoor air pollutants, the scope of outdoor air pollution and the assessment of potential solutions will be emphasized.
Projects in Sustainability
3
Credits
This is a hands-on, project-based course that covers the essential principles for designing, constructing and operating a residential power generating system. Topics include a review of AC/DC circuits, safety and laboratory practices, technical recording and reporting and demonstrating proficiency in the principles of renewable power generations systems. Student projects will emphasize their understanding of the complete life cycle of regionally-relevant renewable designs and installations.

Choose one course:

Sustainability: Concepts and Issues
3
Credits
This course is an overview of local, regional and global sustainability with the goal of helping students recognize and engage with the interplay between environmental, socio-cultural and economic forces that affect our ability to achieve sustainability. Topics will include the science of climate change, pollution, environmental ethics and politics, renewable energy and sustainability in the built environment.
Energy and Environmental Policy
3
Credits
This course will expose the student to various policies and environmental regulations concerning air quality and dependence on foreign energy sources. Discussion will include enactment of policies, laws, regulations and programs with regard to conventional and alternative energy sources. Assessment of concerns over future depletion of global oil supplies and the impact to the U.S. economy will be discussed. The federal, state or local governmental response to issues concerning pollution and its impact on the number of environmental laws, the effectiveness of any proposed initiative and the extent of implementation and enforcement will be explored.
Electrical/Electronic Systems I
4
Credits
A comprehensive course introducing the student to the principles of electricity and electronics as applied to electrical systems. The principles of Ohm's Law will lead the student into the use of digital volt ohmmeters and oscilloscopes utilizing lab and hands-on exercises. Proper diagnostic skills will be taught and applied through the troubleshooting and repair of problems on live vehicles. Lab fee required.
Fundamentals of AC/DC Electricity
3
Credits
This is an introductory course in basic electricity intended for the engineering technology programs. It consists of the concepts, laws and definitions encountered in AC and DC electric circuits.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
3
Credits
This course will introduce the student to the principles and fundamental photovoltaic technology. Solar radiation, site survey and planning, solar components and configuration, batteries, PV panel construction, inverters and system sizing are some of the topics covered in depth in this course. This course will help the student develop knowledge of the complete photovoltaic system and the different configurations used in industry.

Choose courses from the following list or any required courses not already taken:

Alternative Fuel and Propulsion Systems
3
Credits
This course introduces the student to emerging technology and alternative fuel propulsion systems. Safety, theoretical operation and service procedures are discussed and practiced in the laboratory environment. Personal protective equipment, high voltage systems, hybrid and electric vehicle components and diagnostic service procedures are emphasized. Hybrid vehicle powertrain sub-systems are explored and unique features that distinguish these vehicles from conventional automobiles are discussed.
Tiny House Living: Less is More
3
Credits
This course addresses the Tiny House phenomenon from a lifestyle, design and construction perspective. Students will be introduced to the Tiny House Movement, financial independence, freedom and ecological responsibility. Various types of Tiny Homes (400 square feet or less) from homes on wheels to ones with concrete foundations, will be presented and the pros/cons of each discussed. Design topics include space efficiency, appropriate interior finishes, multi-purpose furnishings/appliances, sustainability (eco-friendly) features and smart technologies. Construction budgets, building codes and zoning ordinances will be reviewed so students can transition into this up-and-coming lifestyle.
Green Building and Energy Efficiency
3
Credits
During this course, students will examine the environmental impacts of building construction and explore the fundamental concepts of energy efficient design. Topics include sustainable site planning, green materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, water reduction and waste management. This class will prepare students to take the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate exam.
Energy Analysis
3
Credits
This course covers the essential principles of sustainable forms of energy. Specific topics include the units of measure, analytical comparisons of energy types, calculating consumption and production values and exploring essential underlying formulas. Case studies will emphasize useful applications of existing sustainable energy sources.
Solar Thermal Systems
3
Credits
This course covers the background, history, essential theory and principles of Solar Thermal Technology. Specific topics include solar fundamentals, solar water heating systems and components, system installation, check-out and start-up procedures, troubleshooting, pool heating and code and safety issues.
Sustainability in the Built Environment
3
Credits
This course will expose students to the impact of buildings on natural resources and the environment. Weekly lessons will cover sustainable rating systems, as well as modules in water efficiency, energy conservation measures, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources. Sustainable best practices and standards will be emphasized. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
Sustainable Business
3
Credits
This course will focus on management of sustainability in enterprises using a problem-based learning approach. A foundation of knowledge in sustainable business practices in a variety of industry settings will be developed.
Biology and Environment
3
Credits
This course is a study of interactions between living things and their biotic and abiotic environments with emphasis on the influence of humankind on natural systems and built environments. Designed for non-science majors, this course does not fulfill the credit requirements for biology majors.
Introduction to Environmental Science
3
Credits
This is a three-credit-hour General Education course with no prerequisites. Students will study the impact of human systems on the physical and biological environment as well as discuss possible solutions to today's environmental problems. Topics include ecology, natural resources, energy, pollution, population growth, urbanization and sustainability. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Total Credits: 18

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and payment plans that make sense. And to us, that’s scholarly.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fees

 Technical Certificate12 Credits18 Credits24 Credits28 Credits
Tuition and Fees$1,253$1,879$2,505$2,923
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,ooo$1,000$1,000
Total$2,253$2,879$3,505$3,923

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current term, with an equal number of credit hours per term for in-state students. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.