I really enjoyed the variety of topics, the lecturers, and the in-class discussions and activities. Each guest lecturer did an excellent job with their respective topics. I liked being able to hear the perspectives of my classmates on the topics and how each topic relates to their work.
As the effects of climate change are felt across the globe, the time is now for enacting sustainable, climate-smart policies and solutions. This course is designed for motivated, early-to mid-career professionals in careers related to policy who are interested in building a stronger foundation of knowledge in climate and sustainability. Through interaction with trusted Duke faculty, researchers, and leaders in climate science and policy solutions, participants will develop a robust professional toolkit and build a deeper understanding of climate and sustainability issues across industries and issue areas. The program will also offer participants a valuable cohort experience through peer-to-peer learning and a long-term professional network with opportunities to collaborate and convene post-program completion.
Why Choose This Summer Institute?
Note: Participants will be asked to complete on-line activities, such as pre-readings, and other assignments during the duration of the course to supplement the on-site learning experience.
This course will be divided into six sessions over three weeks. Course topics and key questions include the following:
Individuals interested in attending the Climate and Sustainability Summer Institute must submit an application, during the application period in order to be considered for admission. Applications can only be submitted via the online application that is available on this website. Applications will be reviewed on an rolling basis and those accepted will be notified as to “next steps” to register.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early!
Prior to Applying:
Admission to the program is discretionary and space is limited. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and meet minimum suitability standards for admission. Admitted participants are not matriculated Duke University students, therefore university student privileges do not apply.
Monday, January 22, 2024 - Application period opens
Monday, May 24, 2024 - Application period closes
Thursday, January 25, 2024 - Registration opens: Admitted applicants can register and pay tuition.
Monday, June, 2024 - Registration closes. Last day admitted applicants can register/pay tuition (unless course fills prior- whichever occurs first).
Tuesday, July 8, 2024 - Course start date
The registration period for approved applicants opens on January 25, 2024 and closes on June 3, 2024. Admitted participants wishing to register must simultaneously enroll in the course and pay tuition in full, by the close of the registration period.
Duke Continuing Studies reserves the exclusive right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to withhold registration or require withdrawal from the program of an applicant or enrolled participant. Admitted participants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
July 9, 2024, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
July 11, 2024, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
July 16, 2024, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
July 18, 2024, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
July 23, 2024, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
July 25, 2024, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
At the conclusion of the final session, all learners will be invited upstairs to a reception on the Duke in DC rooftop terrace.
Dan and Bunny Gabel Associate Professor of the Practice of Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Environmental Management, Nicholas School of the Environment
Research Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment
Director, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
Director, Climate and Sustainability Engineering Master’s Program, Pratt School of Engineering
Director, Heat Policy Innovation Hub, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
Director, Climate and Sustainability Engineering Master’s Program, Pratt School of Engineering
Tim Profeta
Senior Fellow, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability
Associate Professor, Sanford School of Public Policy
How much time is expected in class? Independent work?
Learners will be expected to participate in all 6 classes, spanning 2.5 hours each, with a break during each evening class. Additionally, learners can expect an average of 1-2 hours of reading/prep for each session and an additional 1-2 hours of assignments each week.
What experience or expertise do I need to apply for this program?
Learners should come to the program with at least basic academic or professional experiences in public policy. No prior experience working with issues of climate and sustainability is necessary to apply.
Who designed this course and curriculum?
All course material for learners is designed by Duke faculty and lecturers, with support from Learning Innovation and Lifelong Education (LILE), Duke in DC, the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability, and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability.
Who will be teaching this course?
Duke University faculty and lecturers. We anticipate there will be a TA from one of Duke’s Graduate and Professional programs present at all sessions.
Is this program offered in a virtual format?
No. In-person attendance is required as part of building a valuable cohort.
What skills will I build through this program?
Fluency and understanding of climate and sustainability policy issues from various academic and professional disciplines.
What does climate and sustainability fluency mean?
Climate- and sustainability-fluent means understanding anthropogenic climate change and its origins, and being well-equipped to address it by innovating and implementing creative, scientifically informed, just and responsible solutions.
What is this program’s “cohort model” and how will it be executed?
The program requires in-person attendance to foster a professional network that will be of value to learners beyond the duration of the course. The program will provide opportunities to engage with various Duke alumni and experts throughout the program duration.
What type of certificate will I receive from Duke after completing this program?
Learners will earn a digital Badge from Duke University.
Upon being notified of “approval” to participate in the program, registration is available until the deadline of May 20 (or until the class fills whichever occurs first). Tuition is due in full at time of “registration”.
Those approved to participate in the course, and are affiliated with the following criteria, can receive a single $150 discount which will appear during the online “registration” process and must be “selected” at that time to apply toward the tuition during checkout.
Duke Continuing Studies courses, and those offered on this website on behalf of Duke “schools”, are non-credit. Therefore, no loans can be construed to imply any degree-seeking status for participants enrolling in courses offered through this site.
Duke Continuing Studies (DCS) will not certify (approve) loan amounts greater than the amount of the tuition regardless of the amount approved by the lending agency. DCS reserves the right to reject any loan which exceeds the tuition amount. DCS will not be responsible for refunding monies in excess of the tuition. Participants needing to secure loan funding for books or other items in relation to the program are responsible for making separate loan arrangements with the funding agency. No loan funds will be refunded to the participant.
Should a participant choose to borrow less than the tuition amount, the balance must be paid prior to the close of the registration period.
Our Professional Certificate programs are non-credit (not degree applicable); therefore, they are NOT eligible for federal education loans. DO NOT SUBMIT FAFSA FORMS for these programs.
The funding options listed below may not be applicable to all programs at this time. Please contact the organization offering the funding to see if you qualify and if the funds can be used for the program in which you are interested.
To apply for this private student loan, visit Sallie Mae’s website, and click the I’m ready to apply button. The following application should populate with the pertinent information for Duke Continuing Studies.
Please note that Wells Fargo is no longer accepting new applications for their private student loans. However, students with an outstanding balance on a Wells Fargo private student loan may be eligible to be borrowers on a new private loan. See here for details.
Duke University Hospital employees may be eligible for support from the Employee Development Initiative (EDI), which helps employees pay for short-term career-related programs, workshops, and seminars. For more information, visit the Employee Development Initiative site or call Duke Hospital Human Resources at (919) 668-2170.
AmeriCorps Education Awards are available only for AmeriCorps volunteers and can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. For more information on qualified schools and programs, contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677, or visit the FAQ page of the AmeriCorps website.
Contact our registration office at learnmore@duke.edu for details on how to send wire transfers. Very specific instructions must be followed in order for our office to receive a successful transfer.
To receive a refund minus a $150 processing fee, we must receive your written cancellation request at least two weeks before the course begins. You will be refunded in the manner in which paid.
Include your name, address, phone number, and course to be dropped. You may inform us by:
Email (preferred): learnmore@duke.edu
Mail: Registration – Climate and Sustainability Summer Institute
Duke Continuing Studies
Box 90700 Durham, NC 27708-0700
If a check is returned for insufficient funds, we will charge a returned check fee of $35. Checks will not be resubmitted. The replacement payment must include the additional $35 and be in the form of cash, money order, or credit card.
If a course is already filled, a waiting list is usually available instead. If you are interested in placing your name on the waiting list, follow the checkout instructions to do so. If a space becomes available, a registration staff member will contact you and ask if you are still interested. If you are interested, registration staff can assist you.
Sometimes we have to cancel a course that does not meet minimum enrollment, or due to unforeseen events. If that happens, you will receive a full or pro-rated refund. Duke Continuing Studies reserves the right to substitute instructors or change the day a course meets.
Course fees and expenses are sometimes tax deductible. Please consult an accountant concerning this matter. Non-credit programs at Duke Continuing Studies do not generate 1098-T forms, in accordance with the following IRS guideline:
