UW Launches Two Online Graduate Certificates in Environment and Natural Resources

The University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources is expanding its online graduate offerings with the launch of two new fully online certificates: one in environment and natural resources law and policy, and another in collaborative practice.

Approved by the UW Board of Trustees in May, these certificates respond to rising demand for practical, flexible training in key areas of environmental policy, law and collaborative decision-making.

A certificate is a focused, credit-based academic credential that does not require enrollment in a degree program. Each nine-credit program can be completed independently or stacked into the Haub School’s online Master of Science in environment, natural resources and society -- a professional, coursework-only degree.

“These new online certificates enhance opportunities for students to build skills in collaboration, environmental law and policy -- hallmarks of natural resource management and the way we get things done in Wyoming,” says Temple Stoellinger, associate dean of the Haub School. “They provide flexible, targeted pathways for professionals to advance their careers while also serving as on-ramps to our online master’s degree.”

The environment and natural resources law and policy certificate equips students with foundational knowledge of environmental laws and regulatory systems governing public lands, wildlife, water and energy. Designed for those seeking practical legal and policy training without pursuing a full law degree, the certificate draws on the Haub School’s and UW College of Law’s expertise in natural resources law.

The collaborative practice certificate addresses the growing demand for professionals who can lead stakeholder-driven processes and build consensus on complex resource conflicts. Students develop competencies in negotiation, facilitation and cross-sector governance through a curriculum grounded in real-world application.

“These certificates are timely additions to our graduate offerings and reflect the Haub School’s commitment to innovation and accessibility in graduate education,” says John Koprowski, dean of the Haub School. “Rooted in Wyoming’s leadership on public lands, wildlife and natural resource issues, they offer flexible, high-quality credentials that prepare professionals to understand legal frameworks, apply collaborative tools and lead in solving today’s most pressing environmental and natural resource challenges.”

Applications for both the certificates and the online Master of Science in environment, natural resources and society program will open soon, with courses beginning this fall.

For more information about the graduate certificate in environment and natural resources law and policy, visit www.uwyo.edu/haub/academics/graduate-students/enr-law-and-policy-online.html.

For more information about the graduate certificate in collaborative practice, visit www.uwyo.edu/haub/academics/graduate-students/graduate-certificate-collaborative-practice.html.