Certificate in Environmental Writing
The Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Writing (CEW) is for Illinois students wanting to engage with the latest research in sustainability science — and to build their skills in environmental communication.
The certificate is a joint venture of iSEE, the School for Earth, Society, and Environment, the English Department, and the Journalism Department, and is at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary sustainability programs in the nation.
The motto of the CEW is “turning data into narrative” — learning about the latest scientific research on the environment and how to communicate that research effectively to the public.
When enrolled in the certificate capstone course, Environmental Writing for Publication (ESE 498), students will have the opportunity to submit their work to the iSEE publication for student environmental writing, Q Magazine. If successful, students will work closely with the editors and production staff of Q on developing their work to a professional, publishable standard. Issues of Q are published each Fall and Spring semester, and two-issue volumes are printed each summer.
For questions, please contact Professor Gillen D’Arcy Wood, Director of the CEW >>>
Certificate Courses
To earn the CEW, students will take three courses: the intro course (ESE 360), followed by one of the intermediate courses (ESE 477, ESE 467, or JOUR 473), and they will complete their journey with the capstone course (ESE 498). These courses are also open to students who are not pursuing the certificate.
- Environmental Writing (ESE 360) equips students to write about the environment for various audiences, with a focus on specific current efforts to promote sustainability on the U. of I. campus. Students will practice techniques for each stage of the writing process, from defining topics, to gathering information, to crafting engaging prose. (Offered in the Fall and Spring)
- Advanced Environmental Writing (ESE 477) emphasizes the research and rhetorical skills required to communicate current scientific research in earth and environmental science through non-fiction narrative forms: the investigative essay, long-form journalism, personal memoir, and op-ed. (Offered in the Fall)
- Multimedia Environmental Communications (ESE 467) develops students’ capacities to communicate about environmental topics, with an emphasis on storytelling and clear exposition across multiple types of media. Students will be exposed to the application of blogs, podcasts, short videos, and infographics to communicate effectively about environmental topics. Skills in photography, videography, audio capture, developing scripts, interviewing, and social media will be honed. (Offered in the Fall)
- Environmental Journalism (JOUR 473) prepares students to cover pressing environmental issues facing society. Students will gain experience identifying and interviewing experts, interpreting complex environmental topics, and explaining research. (Offered in the Spring)
- Environmental Writing for Publication (ESE 498) engages students in the real-world editorial process as they develop a polished piece of long-form journalism on an environmental topic of their choice. This final product will showcase students’ professional development as well-informed writers on environmental issues, and may be published in Q Magazine. (Offered in the Spring)
If you are interested in formally pursuing the certificate, please register below. Registration is not mandatory, but by registering you will receive advising support, information about opportunities for CEW students, news of campus events, and more.