Academic Catalogs

Environmental Resource Management, Certificate of Specialization

Banner Code: 1_CE_ERM

Not Financial Aid Eligible


The Environmental Resource Management Certification Program (ERM) is designed to provide education and training for individuals interested in working in the recycling and resource management/green jobs sector. As more cities, businesses, and institutions develop sustainability and resource management policies and programs, there is a need for people who can serve as sustainability coordinators, environmental educators, resource managers, and environmental program advocates. The ERM curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that explores recycling and resource management from a variety of perspectives and settings. Curriculum will provide students with a general knowledge of environmental resource management emphasizing cultural, community, business, and educational applications. Courses will also include opportunities to develop environmental advocacy programs and projects as well as entry to related internships and shadowship opportunities.

Program Outcome

Provide students with the skills and resources needed to find jobs across all industry sectors related to environmental resource management upon completion of the program

Certificate of Specialization Requirements

The Certificate of Specialization is a locally approved career program that requires sixteen units or fewer units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Specialization are not automatically awarded, not printed on official academic transcripts, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation.  Please contact the division for details regarding the submission of petitions as procedures for each division vary.  Most division offices prefer that students complete all of the required courses and then provide a copy of the transcript while some divisions allow petitions for Certificates of Specialization before finishing.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ARCH A101Introduction to Environmental Sustainability1
ARCH A102Introduction to Environmental Studies3
ARCH A141Introduction to Resouse Management3
ARCH A142Environmental Advocacy3
ARCH A190Environmental Studies Practium1.5-2.5
Total Units11.5-12.5

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ARCH A101 Introduction to Environmental Sustainability 1
ARCH A102 Introduction to Environmental Studies 3
 Units4
Semester 2
ARCH A141 Introduction to Resouse Management 1 3
ARCH A142 Environmental Advocacy 1 3
ARCH A190 Environmental Studies Practium 1 1.5-2.5
 Units7.5-8.5
 Total Units11.5-12.5