Certificates of Achievement

(subject to change in 2027)

  • Natural History and Resources

    Grow in the field and classroom, through the study of local:

    - Flora and fauna

    - Ecology

    - Geology

    - Ecosystems

    - Human and environment interactions

    - Natural resources

    With coursework in:

    - Natural history

    - Biodiversity

    - Ornithology

    - Botany

    Pursue roles such as environmental educator, park ranger, field biologist, naturalist or curatorial assistant.

  • Conservation and Resource Management

    Study foundational concepts in Environmental Science and get skills-focused experience in:

    - Field methods

    - Ecological management

    - Park operations

    With coursework in:

    - Habitat restoration

    - Water quality

    - Watershed analysis

    - Urban planning

    - Park management and operations

    Become equipped for entry-level roles such as environmental educator, consultant, restoration technician, ranger, naturalist, or ecologist.

  • Urban Agroecology

    Learn by doing, and gain experience in:

    - Ecologically restorative urban farms

    - Small scale food enterprises

    - Local food systems

    - Community garden design

    - Regenerative agriculture

    With coursework in:

    - Food justice

    - Public health

    - Food and agricultural policy

    - Culturally-relevant alternative agricultural systems

    Prepare for entry-level roles in urban farming, food policy, and nonprofit organizations advancing sustainability and food access.

Natural History and Resources

Click the drop-down arrow to explore all the core classes required for this certificate.

  • Required 15 units:

    • BIOL 029 Introduction to Biodiversity (4)

    • ENVMT 001 Environmental Careers (1)

    • ENVMT 002 Introduction to Sustainable Environmental Systems (4)

    • GEOG 001 Physical Geography (3)

    • ENVMT 012 or AFRAM 38 Environmental Racism and Justice (3)

  • Choose 9 units:

    • ART 166 Beginning Botanical Drawing (2)

    • BIOL 009 Marine Biology (4)

    • BIOL 015 Environmental Biology (3)

    • ENVMT 060A Natural History of the Bay Area: The Local Parks (0.5)

    • ENVMT 060B Natural History of the Bay Area: Mt. Diablo State Park (1)

    • ENVMT 060C Natural History of the Bay Area: Herpetology (2)

    • ENVMT 060E Natural History of the Bay Area: 

    • ENVMT 061E Natural History of the Tide Pools of the Greater Bay Area (0.5)

    • ENVMT 061H Natural History of the Bay Area: Butterflies and Moths (2)

    • ENVMT 061I Natural History of the Bay Area: Bryophytes (2)

    • ENVMT 061K Natural History of the Bay Area: Lichens (2)

    • ENVMT 062S Natural History of the Islands of California (2)

    • ENVMT 080A Raptors of Central California and the Bay Area (0.5-2)

    • ENVMT 080B Bird Songing: The Ecology of Bird Songs and Identification by Ear (0.5-2)

    • ENVMT 080C Fundamentals of Ornithology and Birding in Central California/Bay Area (0.5-2)

    • GEOL 001 Introduction to Physical Geology (4)

    • GEOL 012 Environmental Geology (3)

    • LANHT 002 Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 002E Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 005A Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 005B Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 005EA Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 005EB Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 010 Insect Pests (3)

    • LANHT 016 Soil Management (3)

    • LANHT 023 Plant Terminology (2.5)

    • NATAM 076E California Indian Ecology on the Central Coast (1.5)

  • Choose 2 units:

    • ENVMT 476F Occupational Work Experience in Environmental Management and Technology (3)

    • ENVMT 005 Bay Area Food Culture (3)

    • ENVMT 008 Introduction to Outdoor Education (3)

    • ENVMT 014 Environmental Impact Reports (2)

    • ENVMT 035 Introduction to Urban Agroecology (3)

    • ENVMT 039C Geographical Information Systems Applications (4)

    • ENVMT 044 Introduction to Creek and Watershed Restoration: General Aspects (3)

    • ENVMT 056 Management of Public Parks and Natural Resources (3)

    • ENVMT 057 Park Operations Concepts and Practices (4)

    • GEOL 021 Bay Area Field Studies (1-2)

    • LANHT 045A Mushroom Cultivation I (2)

    • LANHT 081 Arborist Equipment Fundamentals (2)

The Natural History and Resources Certificate of Achievement educates students on the biodiversity of the Bay Area and beyond and how that biodiversity interacts with humans in different ecosystems and scales. Coursework provides a foundation on local flora, fauna, and geology, as well as an ecosystem-driven approach to exploring natural resources such as water, forests, and ecosystem services. Graduates of the program can expect to be prepared for entry-level employment in the field of natural resources and the environment. Students in the Natural History and Resources program will:

  • Discover the vast diversity of animals, plants, fungi, and microscopic organisms through courses in botany, ornithology, entomology, herpetology, and more.

  • Learn the principles of biogeography and the interplay between biology and geology.

  • Participate in field trips and field courses around the Bay Area and beyond.

  • Prepare for the following careers: Environmental educator, environmental consultant, habitat restoration technician, parks maintenance technician, ranger, biologist, curatorial assistant, or collections manager.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Provide an overview of the form and function of local biodiversity (flora and fauna) and understand the ecological roles of these organisms.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the various ecosystems and natural resources in the Bay Area and their importance.

3. Demonstrate practical skills, such as species identification, field documentation, and environmental impact report preparation, used by professionals in the field.

Get in Touch

For questions, contact NHS Program Co-Director Greg Vose at gvose@peralta.edu.

Model Curriculum

The following table provides a suggested sequence of courses through which a student could earn the Certificate within 2 years (26 units required total):

Conservation and Resource Management

Click the drop-down arrow to explore all the core classes required for this certificate.

The Conservation and Resource Management Certificate of Achievement offers students a practical approach to ecological management practices. Students learn basic concepts of environmental science, are prepared for more specialized coursework, and establish minimum qualifications for entry-level employment. Students in the Conservation and Resource Management program will:

  • Build a solid foundation in the principles of ecology, and then learn to apply them to solve environmental problems.

  • Focus on habitat restoration, natural resource conservation and management, water quality and watershed analysis, outdoor education, urban planning, and vegetation surveys.

  • Participate in field trips and field-based courses to sites around the Bay Area.

  • Prepare for the following careers: Environmental educator, environmental consultant, habitat restoration technician, watershed analyst, parks maintenance technician, ranger, naturalist, ecologist.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Articulate the history of the conservation movement in the U.S. (with particular emphasis on California) and put the current state of natural resource management in its proper historical context.

2. Explain the basic principles of ecology and how these principles are used in the management and stewardship of natural spaces.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of how parks and other public natural spaces operate and function.

4. Demonstrate practical field skills used in the management and stewardship of natural resources

Get in Touch

For questions, contact NHS Program Co-Director Greg Vose at gvose@peralta.edu.

Model Curriculum

The following table provides a suggested sequence of courses through which a student could earn the Certificate within 2 years (26 units required total):

  • Required:

    • BIOL 015 Environmental Biology (3)

    • ENVMT 476F Occupational Work Experience in Environmental Management and Technology (3)

    • ENVMT 001 Environmental Careers (1)

    • ENVMT 002 Introduction to Sustainable Environmental Systems (4)

    • ENVMT 056 Management of Public Parks and Natural Resources (3)

    • ENVMT 057 Park Operations Concepts and Practices (4)

    • GEOL 021 Bay Area Field Studies (1)

    • ENVMT 012 or AFRAM 038 Environmental Racism and Justice (3)

  • Choose 2 units:

    • ENVMT 008 Introduction to Outdoor Education (3)

    • ENVMT 014 Environmental Impact Reports (2)

    • ENVMT 039C Geographical Information Systems Applications (4)

    • ENVMT 044 Introduction to Creek and Watershed Restoration: General Aspects (3)

    • LANHT 081 Arborist Equipment Fundamentals (2)

  • Choose 2 units:

    • ART 166 Beginning Botanical Drawing (2)

    • BIOL 005 Botany (4)

    • BIOL 009 Marine Biology (4)

    • BIOL 029 Introduction to Biodiversity (4)

    • ENVMT 060A Natural History of the Bay Area: The Local Parks (0.5)

    • ENVMT 060B Natural History of the Bay Area: Mt. Diablo State Park (1)

    • ENVMT 060C Natural History of the Bay Area: Herpetology (2)

    • ENVMT 60E Natural History of the Bay Area: Biogeography (2)

    • ENVMT 061E Natural History of the Tide Pools of the Greater Bay Area (0.5)

    • ENVMT 061H Natural History of the Bay Area: Butterflies and Moths (2)

    • ENVMT 061I Natural History of the Bay Area: Bryophytes (2)

    • ENVMT 061K Natural History of the Bay Area: Lichens (2)

    • ENVMT 062S Natural History of the Islands of California (2)

    • ENVMT 080A Raptors of Central California and the Bay Area (0.5-2)

    • ENVMT 080B Bird Songing: The Ecology of Bird Songs and Identification by Ear (0.5-2)

    • ENVMT 080C Fundamentals of Ornithology and Birding in Central California/Bay Area (0.5-2)

    • GEOG 001 Physical Geography (3)

    • GEOL 001 Introduction to Physical Geology (4)

    • GEOL 012 Environmental Geology (3)

    • LANHT 002 Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 002E Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 005A Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 005B Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 005EA Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 005EB Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 010 Insect Pests (3)

    • LANHT 016 Soil Management (3)

    • LANHT 023 Plant Terminology (2.5)

    • LANHT 053 Alpines Lab (1)

    • NATAM 076E California Indian Ecology on the Central Coast (1.5)

Urban Agroecology

Click the drop-down arrow to explore all the core classes required for this certificate.

  • Required 17 units:

    • ENVMT 001 Environmental Careers (1)

    • ENVMT 002 Introduction to Sustainable Environmental Systems (4)

    • ENVMT 035 Introduction to Urban Agroecology (3)

    • ENVMT 012 or AFRAM 38 Environmental Racism and Justice (3)

    • LANHT 024 Propagation (3)

    • LANHT 076 Edible Landscaping (3)

  • Choose 9 units:

    • ENVMT 003 Social Issues in Agriculture (3)

    • ENVMT 005 Bay Area Food Culture (3)

    • ENVMT 016 Introduction to Healthy Community Systems (3)

    • LANHT 016 Soil Management (3)

    • LANHT 028A Permaculture Design I (3)

    • NUTR 031 Food-Production Systems (3)

  • Choose 2 units:

    • BIOL 005 Botany (4)

    • BIOL 015 Environmental Biology (3)

    • BIOL 029 Introduction to Biodiversity (4)

    • ENVMT 061H Natural History of the Bay Area: Butterflies and Moths (2)

    • ENVMT 476F Occupational Work Experience in Environmental Management and Technology (3)

    • ENVMT 008 Introduction to Outdoor Education (3)

    • ENVMT 014 Environmental Impact Reports (2)

    • ENVMT 39C Geographical Information Systems Applications (4)

    • ENVMT 044 Introduction to Creek and Watershed Restoration: General Aspects (3)

    • ENVMT 055 Principles of Conservation and Land Management (3)

    • ENVMT 056 Management of Public Parks and Natural Resources (3)

    • ENVMT 057 Park Operations Practices and Skills (4)

    • GEOG 001 Physical Geography (3)

    • GEOL 021 Bay Area Field Studies (1)

    • LANHT 002 Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 002E Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 005A Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 005B Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) (3)

    • LANHT 005EA Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 005EB Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) (3)

    • LANHT 010 Insect Pests (3)

    • LANHT 023 Plant Terminology (2.5)

    • LANHT 081 Arborist Equipment Fundamentals (2)

    • NATAM 076E California Indian Ecology on the Central Coast (1.5)

    • NUTR 031 Food-Production Systems (3)
      (removed LANHT 16, LANHT 45A, and LANHT 50)

Want to get your hands in the dirt? The Urban Agroecology Certificate of Achievement trains students in the skills and practices of urban agriculture, focusing on ecologically restorative food production, project planning, and small-scale enterprise development.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level employment in the local urban agriculture industry or non-profit organizations.

Students in the Urban Agroecology program

  • Learn the principles of sustainable farming and food systems in the urban environment.

  • Plan and design home, school, and community gardens and farms.

  • Find out about food production, food access in under-served communities, and the public health implications of food distribution.

  • Learn how to replace our current industrial agriculture system with a local, regenerative, just, and culturally appropriate food system.

  • Get hands-on training to work for small-scale farm enterprises, non-profit organizations relating to food and public health, and food policy organizations.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

  • Contribute to the development of locally-owned enterprises based in the production, processing, distribution, and sale of fresh foods.

  • Develop and implement groundbreaking techniques for carrying out sustainable agriculture in conjunction with ecosystem restoration.

  • Serve as educators in their own communities, inspiring and enabling others to contribute to our cities’ health and sustainability through personal choices.

  • Increase social equity by increasing employment, management, and ownership opportunities for the East Bay’s most economically vulnerable residents.

Model Curriculum

The following table provides a suggested sequence of courses through which a student could earn the Certificate within 2 years (28 units required):

Get in Touch

For questions, contact NHS Program Co-Director Elizabeth Boegel at eboegel@peralta.edu.