* Required Course - 2 credits
**Elective Course - 1 credit
Program participants are required to take a total of 8 courses: 4 required core courses; 3 elective courses; and, a capstone course. Courses are offered at USU and other locations around the country. All courses are offered in the short-course format of either 2 or 3 consecutive eight-hour days (depending on the course). Each course is worth 1 or 2 academic credits. We will attempt to schedule courses so one required course (2-credits) and one elective course (1-credit) are scheduled back-to-back in the same week. This will allow working professionals to minimize the number of trips needed to complete the certificate program.
Courses offered as part of the NEPA Certificate Program may be taken for university graduate credit whether or not a participant in the course is enrolled in the certificate program. Those taking the course for credit will receive a letter grade. Course attendance and test scores will determine participants’ grades. Tests for the courses will be based on information from the lectures and assigned course materials. Testing will generally consist of a take-home test the participant completes within 8 weeks of taking the course and returns to the USU Program Administrator for grading.
Core Courses
Participants are required to take four of the following courses (8 credits). The first three listed are required. Participants may choose between the last two course to fulfill these requirements.
NEPA 6200 How to Manage the NEPA Process and Write Effective NEPA Documents
2 credits
Participants in this 3-day course learn how to fulfill the spirit and letter of NEPA and CEQ. They also explore how good decision making, analysis, and documentation all must integrate to prepare a legally compliant EIS, EA, FONSI, ROD, or CE/CATEX.
NEPA 6210 Clear Writing for NEPA Specialists
2 credits
Participants in this 3-day course learn how to plan/scope the writing process for a NEPA document including how to present technical information and graphics. They also learn review skills to ensure document effectiveness, clarity, and accuracy.
NEPA 6220 Reviewing NEPA Documents
2 credits
Participants in this 3-day course learn how to systematically review the full range of NEPA documents: EISs, RODs, EAs, FONSIs, and CEs/CATEXs. They also learn to present clear review findings for NEPA documents, which analyze a range of alternatives and disclose all potential impacts.
NEPA 6230 Environmental Risk Communication
2 credits
Participants in this 3-day course learn the meaning and application of risk communication and explore the full range of response communication, from developing a communication plan and strategy to standing before an audience in high risk, low trust situations to responding in writing to public concern.
(Can be taken as an elective if not used as one of the 4-required courses)
NEPA 6260 Cultural and Natural Resource Management
2 credit
The purpose of this course is to help students learn how to manage cultural and natural resources on public lands. It addresses the pertinent laws and associated executive orders and regulations pertaining to the preservation of these resources. In addition, it will look at how to integrate cultural and natural resources funding requirements into an environmental budget.
(Can be taken as an elective if not used as one of the 4-required courses)
Elective Courses
Participants are required to take three courses (3 credits) from the following list:
NEPA 6270 Environmental Compliance Overview
1 credit
This course is designed to help participants understand why environmental compliance is not only desirable and necessary, but also a personal responsibility. It will identify key laws and regulations, with associated penalties that affect environmental compliance. The course also looks at the anticipated future of environmental programs.
NEPA 6280 Interdisciplinary Team Building
1 credit
Participants in this 2-day workshop learn how to effectively and efficiently establish and manage interdisciplinary teams. From defining the project and decision maker to determining roles and responsibilities of the IDT leader and team to completing the analysis, participants who complete this workshop will be much more prepared to manage the process. The workshop also emphasizes the importance of efficient document management and record keeping.
NEPA 6300 Effective Environmental Contracting
1 credit
Participants will develop an understanding of tools and techniques for efficient and effective management of contracts and contractors. Those working with environmental contractors (competitive sourcing) will be able to prepare a better statement of work (SOW), establish, manage, and maintain timelines and budgets and successfully complete projects
NEPA 6320 Cumulative Impacts Analysis and Documentation
1 credit
This course has three main objectives: 1) to assist participants in developing a scoping and public involvement strategy that leads to a sound cumulative impact analysis; 2) to assess various impact methodologies as to their strengths and weaknesses in supporting the disclosure of impacts, especially cumulative impacts; and, 3) to teach participants how to record cumulative impact information in ways that support clear, legally sufficient EAs and EISs.
NEPA 6330 Environmental Conflict Management for NEPA
1 credit
This course is designed to train participants in environmental conflict negotiation and management. An introduction to the nature of public conflict and management styles will be taught. Specific issues relating to environmental negotiation will be discussed and appropriate approaches and techniques will be taught through hands-on training, role-plays and activities.
NEPA 6350 Socio-economic Impact Analysis
1 credit
The student will be able to conduct a social impact analysis (SIA) as an integral part of the NEPA process by using social science methods and tools to record, organize, and analyze data.
NEPA 6360 Overview of the Endangered Species Act
1 credit
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the Endangered Species Act and its requirements and regulations, as well as the implications if ESA is violated. Learn what triggers the ESA and the Section 7 Consulting process, and explore the issuance of incidental take permits and requirements for habitat conservation plans.
NEPA 6370 Capstone Experience
1 semester credit
After completing the course work, participants are required to complete a capstone experience before being awarded the NEPA Certificate. The actual capstone experience will be negotiated, based upon opportunities available at the time and preferences of the participant. The capstone experience will help USU to certify that participants who receive the certificate have basic mastery of the material presented in the program course work. The capstone experience will be conducted under the direction of a faculty member affiliated with the program.
NEPA courses may also be applied toward a Master’s of Natural Resources in Ecosystems Management , a 33-credit, nonthesis degree offered at USU through the College of Natural Resources. For more information on this degree program please contact Judy Kurtzman (see contact information below).
Judy Kurtzman
Utah State University
Department of Environment and Society
5215 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5215
Telephone: 435-797-0922
Email:
Judy.Kurtzman@usu.edu
