Graduate Certificate in Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy & Water Systems
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A graduate certificate in Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems is ideal for individuals interested in tackling global sustainability challenges by exploring the interconnections between these critical resources. Graduates often pursue careers as sustainability consultants, environmental engineers, or policy analysts, working in governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or the private sector to develop and implement innovative solutions that enhance resource efficiency and support sustainable development.
Program Overview
Expand your knowledge of Food, Energy & Water Systems while acquiring and practicing transferable skills needed by scientists and engineers! Students working in Agricultural Economics, Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, Chemical & Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Forestry & Natural Resources, Horticulture, Plant & Soil Sciences, or another Science or Engineering discipline related to Food, Energy & Water Systems can benefit from this certificate. In addition to learning about these systems and their nexus, students will gain transferable skills needed by STEM professionals, including ethics, research, communication, teaching, funding procurement, entrepreneurship, management, teamwork, conflict resolution, mentoring, leadership, and outreach.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Expand Your Learning
Students in the Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy & Water Systems (INFEWS) Graduate Certificate program will gain the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to address some of today’s most complex and interconnected challenges. Through a combination of core and elective coursework, students will explore the technical, societal, and economic dimensions of food, energy, and water systems—and learn how these systems interact and impact one another.
The program begins with a team-taught, interdisciplinary course where students investigate real-world research questions related to the FEWS nexus, building foundational conceptual and technical knowledge. Students will then take a second core course focused on professional skill development, where they will strengthen critical transferable skills such as communication, leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, research ethics, and grant writing.
To complete the certificate, students will select from a range of electives that align with their academic and professional goals, many of which also satisfy degree requirements. These electives allow students to further explore the cultural, behavioral, and economic contexts of food, energy, and water systems research—preparing them to become collaborative, solution-oriented innovators in a variety of sectors.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
