Are you passionate about the environment and want to better understand the major challenges facing our planet? Enroll in USC’s Pre-College Online certificate course, “Environmental Studies: Sustainability and Your World.” By thinking more critically about protecting the Earth’s biodiversity, this course provides a strong foundation for pursuing a future in conservation, activism, and the science of climate change.
PROGRAM DATES
April 15, 2024
April 29, 2024
May 6, 2024
May 20, 2024
June 3, 2024
June 17, 2024
July 1, 2024
July 15, 2024
July 29, 2024
August 5, 2024
August 19, 2024
FORMAT AND COURSE LENGTH
Combined coursework of recorded lectures, readings, and assignments is approximately 20-25 -hours to be completed at the student’s own pace. Students are expected to complete the course in two to four weeks.
ELIGIBILITY
Students must be at least 14 years old or older and enrolled in a high school or secondary program.
Recent high school graduates, students taking a gap year or time off from college and are older than 18 can request an exemption to apply by emailing precollegeonline@usc.edu and include a short paragraph (no more than 200 words) stating your interest and how this program will add value to your academic or career plans.
TUITION
$1990 USD
$35 application fee
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
From habitat loss to the overexploitation of natural resources to coastal pollution, environmental issues are extremely complex and multifaceted. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the major challenges our planet faces today, so that you’ll be better equipped to think critically about these issues and participate in potential solutions.
The interdisciplinary nature of this course shines a light on the different paths of study and career options for students who are passionate about the environment. You will learn from USC professors as well as scientists and professionals who are conducting cutting-edge research and working to conserve the biodiversity of our planet.
You’ll examine case studies on harnessing new sources of renewable energy, advancements in aquaculture, and other examples of innovations currently shaping the field of conservation. You’ll also earn a certificate of completion that can set you apart when applying for college as you prepare for your future studies.
By gaining a deeper understanding of the science of climate change, this course will inspire you to apply your interests and passions for the environment to have a positive impact on our world.
Featured Topics
- Population and Community Ecology
- Conservation and Biodiversity
- Food and the Future
- Natural Resources and Renewable Energy
- Coastal Pollution
Learning Outcomes
This introduction to environmental ecology examines climate issues, the future of conservation work, and how to make informed decisions to protect our natural world. Upon completing the course, students will gain a system-level understanding of:
- How individual organisms interact to form bigger ecosystems
- How conservation biology addresses declining biodiversity and threats to endangered organisms and habitat loss
- Population growth and the human footprint on ecosystems
- Threats to natural resources and the future of renewable energy sources
- The significance of coastal pollution and human impact on water systems
Format and Course Length
The course consists of recorded lectures, examinations of scientific research and case studies, industry connections, and activities. Each topic focuses on fundamental issues impacting the Earth’s biodiversity and how scientists today are addressing these challenges. Students will analyze current trends in sustainability through related activities.
Combined coursework of recorded lectures, readings, and assignments is approximately 20-25 -hours to be completed at the student’s own pace. Students are expected to complete the course in two to four weeks.
FEATURED FACULTY
David Ginsburg is a Professor (Teaching) of Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California and a Research Associate in Invertebrate Zoology (Echinoderms) at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Ginsburg oversees undergraduate research training activities across a range of university and externally funded (ARPA-E, NSF) initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Environmental Biology (USC) and M.S. in Chemical Ecology (U of Guam). Ginsburg has experience working in a variety of marine environments ranging from tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests to polar benthic habitats. Prior to joining the faculty at USC, Ginsburg was a postdoctoral researcher in UCLA’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Sea Grant Knauss Fellow with NOAA. His teaching is focused on environmental science, which includes hands-on learning and research experiences in the classroom and field. His awards include the USC Provost’s Prize for Teaching with Technology and the Steven B. Sample Mentoring and Teaching Award.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants who submit a completed application can expect an admission decision within 3 – 5 business days.
- Include basic contact information from you and your parent(s) or guardian.
- Tell us why you want to take the course and a little about yourself through a short-answer essay.
- Share a piece of writing, video or social media content that reveals something about yourself (optional).
- Submit the $35 application fee.
- Students must be at least 14 years old or older and enrolled in a high school or secondary program.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants are expected to be proficient in English. International students who successfully complete an online course will receive a digital Certificate of Completion and by request a USC Pre-College Program transcript at no additional cost.
PROGRAM START DATE AND APPLICATION DEADLINES
| PROGRAM START DATES | APPLICATION & TUITION DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| Monday, April 15, 2024 | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 |
| Monday, April 29, 2024 | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 |
| Monday, May 6, 2024 | Wednesday, May 1, 2024 |
| Monday, May 20, 2024 | Wednesday, May 15, 2024 |
| Monday, June 3, 2024 | Wednesday, May 29, 2024 |
| Monday, June 17, 2024 | Wednesday, June 12, 2024 |
| Monday, July 1, 2024 | Wednesday, June 26, 2024 |
| Monday, July 15, 2024 | Wednesday, July 10, 2024 |
| Monday, July 29, 2024 | Wednesday, July 24, 2024 |
| Monday, August 5, 2024 | Wednesday, July 31, 2024 |
| Monday, August 19, 2024 | Wednesday, August 14, 2024 |
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS
Application fees are nonrefundable. All course cancellations requests must be made in writing to precollegeonline@usc.edu. Any tuition paid to the university will be refunded, not including fees, if requested no more than three (3) days past the course start date. Requests to drop the course more than three (3) days after the start date will not be eligible for a refund.
The university will not refund tuition for Pre-College Online Exploration courses for students who are removed from the program due to a violation of our Letter of Understanding for Online Participation and our Student Code of Conduct.
SCHOLARSHIPS
USC Pre-College Programs is proud to honor full scholarships for our Online Exploration Courses to students enrolled in the summer session of the USC Leslie and William Morrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative (USC NAI). Qualified and interested students who are enrolled in grades 9-12 can send an email for application and enrollment instructions to precollegeonline@usc.edu.