Connecting Environmental Science and Decision Making (CESD)

The CESD Certificate Program is designed to train students to effectively work at the interface between environmental science and decision making.  The overall goal of the program is to help students develop into professionals who are comfortable working with both scientific and decision-making communities in a variety of capacities. Through an approach that includes course work and an internship, CESD students:

• Develop a foundation in the theoretical basis of the interface between science and decision making.
• Critically examine, evaluate, and practice methods of engagement between scientists and decision makers, including the evaluation of decision-making contexts, the role of science in informing policy, and effective approaches for communicating science to a broad range of audiences.
• Acquire expertise in methods and skills needed for research that incorporates science-decision making interactions, solicits and incorporates stakeholders' feedback, and evaluates the effectiveness of interactions, collaborations, and decision-making impacts.

Because the problems and challenges that lie at the interface between science and decision making cross disciplinary boundaries, the program is designed for both physical and social science students.  CESD targets students interested in serving as trusted bridges between environmental research and resource management, who have backgrounds and interests that range from geography, ecology, and geosciences to political science and planning, and more.  A wide range of academic departments and programs are represented in the CESD program, including Agricultural Education, Anthropology, Communications, Geography and Development, Journalism, Management and Organizations, Public Health, Soil Water and Environmental Science, and Wildlife and Fisheries Science.