Certificates

Certificate programs are administered by the graduate school and are intended for matriculated, degree-seeking students in graduate programs or for non-degree-seeking students at UNC-Chapel Hill whose objective is the development of specialization in the field of the certificate program. These programs signify accomplishment, specialization, and achievement. Certificates have a formal application process, require students to take additional courses (beyond the minimum required by the program), and are noted in the recipient’s transcript. The following two certificates are most relevant to Carolina Planning students, though a number of others are offered at UNC.

Natural Hazards Resilience Certificate

These certificate courses train researchers and practitioners who can help the public, non-profit, and private sectors become more resilient in the face of natural hazards and disasters and adapt to the effects of a changing climate.

To apply to this certificate, students must be admitted into a graduate program, preferably at UNC-Chapel Hill. This certificate program is hosted by the Department of City and Regional Planning, but it is designed for students from a range of academic disciplines, such as public policy, geography, climate science, and engineering.

Application process

To apply, students must complete and submit an application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed in December each year. Applicants will be notified in January. The certificate requires a total of 10 credits, all of which can be double-counted towards the student’s primary degree.

Course Requirements

Carolina Planning Faculty contact: Dr. Miyuki Hino

Geographic Information Science Certificate

This certificate is designed to educate and train students in geographic information systems, remote sensing, quantitative methods, spatial analysis, global positioning systems, and data visualization. The track is intended to provide a mix of theory and practical knowledge having wide application in business, health, environment, planning, and other areas. The program requires 21 hours of graduate-level university credit to obtain a Certificate of Achievement in Geographic Information Sciences. A maximum of 6 credits of the certificate courses can also be counted towards a planning degree. Thus, planning students are required to take an additional 15 credits to graduate with a planning degree and a GIS certificate. This certificate program is hosted by the Geography Department. More details.

Carolina Planning Faculty contact: Dr. Yan Song