College launches Post-Degree Certificate in Climate Change Policy

WHITEHORSE—On Tuesday, January 10th, 2017, the College is holding the first of several information sessions on the new Post-Degree Certificate in Climate Change Policy program.

The session will take place at Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse from 10:30 a.m. until noon in room C1530. Interested individuals from communities outside Whitehorse may participate remotely via a web link.

“Interest has been very high since this new program was announced. This session is an opportunity for people to hear more about course topics and ask any questions they may have,” said Dr. Katrine Frese, program coordinator and instructor with the program.

The one-year, part-time program is aimed at working professionals with a bachelor or master’s degree or significant applicable work experience with territorial and provincial governments, Indigenous governments, NGOs or as a consultant.

Students will graduate with an understanding of the causes, economics, and impacts of climate change, and the tools to analyze and communicate the financial, environmental and socio-economic aspects of mitigation and adaptation efforts.

“They will explore the complexity of climate change issues, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and communication between all stakeholders,” said Dr. Frese. “We are fortunate in Yukon to have experience with climate change at the community level and a number of both positive and challenging examples of policies as a result. The policy development process will come to life through students considering these case studies.”

The 15-credit program begins in September 2017. It will feature two courses in both the fall and winter term, ending with a two-week field school in one or two Yukon communities outside of Whitehorse. Apart from the field school, the program is offered entirely online.

The Yukon Climate Change Secretariat has contributed to course content and case studies. The Northern Climate ExChange, part of the Yukon Research Centre at Yukon College, was key in the initiation of this program.  

Tuition fees for the post-graduate certificate will be $500 per credit plus $1350 to cover ancillary costs of the field school – a total of $8850. There are 25 seats available. The College will begin accepting applications in February 2017.

For more information on the program please visit yukoncollege.yk.ca/ccp/.

To request a web link to the January 10th information session, please contact Dr. Katrine Frese at 867.456.8528 or kfrese@yukoncollege.yk.ca.