Undergraduate Certificate in Urban and Community Forestry
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Urban and Community Forestry Undergraduate Certificate is designed for students who want to shape the future of urban environments. Whether you're studying public health, engineering, landscape architecture, forestry management, urban planning, or environmental education, this program is for you. If you're interested in how trees and green infrastructure can improve urban and suburban communities, this certificate will give you the tools to make a lasting impact.
Program Overview
The Urban and Community Forestry Undergraduate Certificate students to lead in the growing field of urban forestry. As nearly two-thirds of the world’s population now live in urban areas, the need for professionals who understand the role of trees in city ecosystems has never been greater. This certificate combines foundational knowledge with real-world application, helping students explore how trees contribute to ecosystem services, urban design, human health, and community wellness and cohesiveness. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning, students gain the skills to work across sectors and make cities greener, healthier, and more resilient.
Related Careers
Students seeking careers involving engineering, environmental education, green infrastructure, landscape architecture, public health, sustainability, urban planning, or related fields would benefit from this certificate.
Admission Instructions
Current University of Kentucky Students
You can add this certificate in myUK GPS. Under "My Program of Study" on the right side of the screen, click the link "Request a major/minor/certificate change". If you need help, contact your academic advisor.
You should talk with your academic advisor about how adding a program to your plan of study will impact graduation time and any graduation requirements of your major.
New Certificate ONLY students
If you are not currently enrolled at UK, you can still take this program by itself.
- Navigate to UK's Undergraduate Application
- Apply to UK with a "Non-Degree Application"
- In the Applicant Information section under Applicant Type, select "Certificate"
- Select the certificate program name
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Students in this program will develop a deep understanding of how trees function in urban and suburban environments and how they intersect with public health, infrastructure, and community well-being. You'll learn to evaluate and support urban forests, communicate their value to diverse audiences, and apply ecological and social principles to real-world challenges. The program emphasizes systems thinking, environmental stewardship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration—preparing you to lead efforts that enhance urban life through thoughtful green space management.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
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!
Join the Martin-Gatton CAFE Living Learning Program
Live in a community full of others who share your interests in agriculture, food and environment! Community members also gain access to specialized programs that foster relationships, professional growth, and community.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
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