National University and UC San Diego Extension Announce Innovative Partnership to Prepare New Generation of Sustainability Leaders
San Diego, Calif (PRWEB) January 27, 2016 -- As more businesses and organizations recognize the economic benefits of being environmentally responsible, demand is increasing for leaders in sustainable management practices. To address these needs, National University and University of California, San Diego Extension are introducing an innovative partnership that offers students pathways to pursue studies in the growing field of sustainability management.
The credit transfer partnership allows those who have completed UC San Diego Extension’s Sustainable Business Practices certificate program to obtain credit for two classes that can be applied toward National University’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management, which is the region’s only sustainability-focused master’s degree program. Both the certificate and master’s program are available online, allowing students throughout the country to benefit from the partnership.
“Balancing economic growth with sustainable practices is one of our world’s most pressing issues and National University is pleased to be partnering with UC San Diego Extension to offer students new avenues to advance their studies in a field that is so important to our global future,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, President of National University and Chancellor of the National University System. “This partnership brings together the very best in quality and flexibility so that we can collectively meet a critical need in our society while supporting our regional economies and environmental resources.”
Through the partnership, students enrolled in National University’s master’s program can elect to obtain Extension’s certificate in lieu of taking two of the degree courses at National University. National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit university in California.
Mary Walshok, Dean at UC San Diego Extension, said the credit transfer agreement is an example of how collaboration between educational providers can benefit not just students but the larger regional economy.
“We know that we are stronger as a region when we collaborate with each other rather than compete with one another,” Walshok said. “This partnership promises to accelerate the growth of a talent pool of people with both the skills and the depth of knowledge needed to ensure companies can be effective stewards of the environment.”
The partnership leverages the credentials of two academic leaders in the in-demand field of sustainability. According to Wanted Analytics, a firm that tracks hiring data, sustainability jobs in the United States have more than doubled in the past four years. In addition, a Green Jobs Report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimated that more than 4.2 million more green jobs could be generated by 2038.
National University, which launched its M.S. in Sustainability Management in 2012, offers a unique focus on management skills that emphasize the environment, economics and equity to meet a growing management need in this specialty. It is tailored for those interested in working in a variety of sustainability professions such as sustainability management, environmental consulting, energy efficiency analysis and resource management. Offered through National University’s one-course-per-month format, the Master of Science in Sustainability Management is a quality program with a high degree of flexibility.
UC San Diego Extension’s Sustainable Business Practice certificate is designed to provide a foundational understanding of the business case for sustainability as well as build essential skills for measuring the effectiveness of sustainability.
To find out more about UC San Diego Extension’s Sustainable Business Practices certificate, visit extension.ucsd.edu/sustainable. To learn more about National University’s M.S. in Sustainability Management, offered through the School of Engineering and Computing, call 800-628-8648 ext. 8600 or visit nu.edu/sustainability.
# # #
About UC San Diego Extension: As the continuing education and public programs arm of the university, UC San Diego Extension educates approximately 63,000 enrollees a year, which translates to about 31,000 students in nearly 4,600 courses. UC San Diego Extension is recognized nationally and internationally for linking the public to expert professionals and the knowledge resources of the University of California. Learn more at extension.ucsd.edu.
About National University: Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 150,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Four schools and two colleges – the College of Letters and Sciences; the Sanford College of Education; the School of Business and Management; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California. http://www.nu.edu/
Anna Cearley, National University, http://www.jfku.edu/, +1 (858) 642-8163, [email protected]
Share this article