Agricultural Resources and Environmental Management | Graduate Certificate

The Agricultural Resources and Environmental Management (AREM) Graduate Certificate at Kansas State University offers an interdisciplinary education in addressing environmental issues like soil and water quality, biodiversity, and climate change. Targeted at individuals with a 4-year degree, the program includes 12 credit hours of coursework, emphasizing sustainable practices and resource management. Graduates will be prepared for careers in environmental consulting, conservation, and natural resource management.
The Agricultural Resources and Environmental Management (AREM) Graduate Certificate program provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to addressing critical environmental issues such as air, water, and soil quality, biodiversity preservation, land use management, and global climate change. Through a combination of ecological, economic, policy, and human dimensions, students will develop the skills needed to tackle complex environmental challenges. The program emphasizes collaborative interdisciplinary approaches to finding solutions, preparing students to make a positive impact in the field of conservation and environmental science.

Key topics covered in the program include soil, water, and energy conservation, watershed assessment and planning, renewable energy production, and carbon sequestration to mitigate global climate change. Students will gain knowledge in ecosystem preservation, landscape management, and the cultural appreciation of agroecosystems. The program also focuses on the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, resource management, and the interconnectedness of environmental systems.

The target audience for this program includes individuals with a 4-year undergraduate degree interested in furthering their education in environmental management or those already enrolled in a graduate degree program at Kansas State University. Prerequisites for admission to the program include completion of at least three upper-division undergraduate courses in technical areas aligned with the program’s subject matter platforms. Prospective students should demonstrate a strong interest in conservation, environmental science, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Students enrolled in the AREM Graduate Certificate program will complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of prescribed coursework, including foundational courses like Introduction to AREM, specialized platform courses, and a capstone project. The program offers flexibility for students pursuing a graduate degree by allowing up to three credits to be taken from their home department. Additionally, opportunities for international collaboration and distance education are available through partnerships with academic institutions like PURPAN in Toulouse, France.

Upon completion of the program, students will have acquired a solid understanding of environmental management principles, sustainable agriculture practices, and the interconnected nature of environmental issues. They will develop critical thinking skills, research capabilities, and the ability to apply interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental challenges effectively. Graduates of the AREM program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in environmental consulting, natural resource management, conservation organizations, government agencies, and research institutions, making a meaningful contribution to the field of conservation and environmental science.