UNL aims to provide continuing education courses and programs in sustainability to the community. Such courses train community members in sustainability topics and help build knowledge about the subject. They can also provide the training people need to obtain and perform green jobs. Certificate programs offer professional recognition for sustainability training and are important tools in helping students obtain, perform and advance their position in green jobs.
Master Naturalist
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program is an adult conservation and environmental education program that combines indoor presentations and hands-on field experiences to teach conservation volunteers about Nebraska's natural resources. This training provides an introduction to a variety of natural science disciplines, including grassland, woodland, wetland and aquatic ecosystems and puts the participant in charge of their volunteer experience while preparing them to be a certified conservation volunteer. Each topic is taught by a natural resource professional who is an expert in their field. Learn more about Master Naturalists here.
Master Gardener
The Nebraska Master Gardener program is a horticulture-related volunteer training program based in many counties throughout the state. It has been part of UNL Extension since 1976. Master Gardener volunteers are trained by UNL Extension faculty and staff. They contribute time as volunteers working through their local Extension office to provide horticulture-related information to their community. More specifically, they provide education about sustainable horticultural practices. Participants are required to complete 40 hours of training and 40 hours of volunteer service during the initial year of their involvement in the program. Master Gardener volunteers retain their certification through annual training and volunteering. Learn more about Master Gardeners here.
Backyard Farmer
Backyard Farmer is the longest-running educational program in broadcast history - it began in 1953 on a small station in Lincoln, Nebraska. New episodes delivering non-biased, research-based information about gardening are produced by Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Educational Television. You can find more information on gardening, email a question to the show and stream the live show on Tuesday nights at the Backyard Farmer website.
Grassland Management, Graduate Certificate
The Grassland Management graduate certificate is a 12-credit hour program designed for current and future grassland professionals - managers, advisers and conservationists - and others who want to increase their knowledge. The graduate certificate is designed to provide students a knowledge base in pasture and range management; vegetation analysis, root growth, and utilization; grassland and wetlands ecology; watershed management; fire ecology; grassland plants, insects and diseases; and basic research and educational programs in grasslands. Learn mores about the Grassland Management Graduate Certificate here.
Social Justice and Diversity Education
The Social Justice and Diversity Education Graduate Certificate is a 15-credit certificate that will broaden and deepen your professional knowledge of diversity dynamics in education. The courses leading to the certificate focus primarily on issues affecting immigrant communities, migrant families, and multicultural education in both school and community settings. Coursework prepares professionals to take on the leadership challenges of creating welcoming learning communities by addressing issues of equity and inclusion at all levels of formal schooling.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a membership-based lifelong learning program for adults 50 years plus. They offer non-credit courses, events, travel opportunities and lectures without the stress of tests or grades. There are many programs available about sustainability from climate change to prairie preservation to yoga.