CERC Certificate in Conservation Biology:
Current Students

Useful information and forms that will help current certificate students through the logistics of the Evening Certificate Program are found below. For course information please see the "Courses" page of this Web site.

Course Registration and Enrollment Procedures

Registration for courses can be accomplished by phone or online from approximately one week prior to the start of the semester, through the add/drop period that continues until approximately one week into the semester. You must register for at least one course before the start of the term in order to avoid being charged a late registration fee.

For more information download our PDF: Course Registration and Enrollment Procedures.

Since CERC certificate courses are each only five weeks long, those students that wish to add or drop a course after the regular registration period has ended may do so by submitting an Add/Drop form to Desmond Beirne at CERC.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for each five-week course is $670.00.

Field courses include other non-tuition costs such as food and lodging. The Evening Certificate Program is a non-degree program and therefore does not qualify for federal student loans or university financial aid. However there are other financing options available for students.

For more information on tuition and financial aid, download PDF: Financing and Aid Options for Students.

CERC offers fellowship each semester on a need basis. Students must reapply each semester for fellowship by submitting a fellowship interest form.

Independent Projects (ENVB 0400)

Students who wish to conduct an independent project can have it counted toward fulfillment of the "Conservation Tools" distributional requirement (see "Program Overview"), by enrolling in ENVB 0400 projects in conservation biology. This course will be treated as directed readings-style enrollment: there will be no scheduled class meetings, but students will undertake study under the guidance of an adviser. Regular tuition charges apply. To begin an independent project please contact Sara Scovronick at 212-854-2992.

Student Progress and Graduation

Columbia University's Certificate in Conservation Biology is awarded to students who satisfactorily complete 12 modules (comprising 120 hours of instruction) in the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation's program. Once enrolled, you can complete the coursework in as few as nine months or up to three years. You must enroll in at least two modules per semester in order to maintain standing and complete the program within three years. To track your progress through the program we recommend that you use our Course Distribution Requirements checklist:
Course Requirements Tracking Sheet

If you anticipate completing your 12 modules this semester, please inform us by submitting an Application for Certificate.

For questions and concerns please contact:

Sara Scovronick
212-854-2992