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Sustainable Trails Development Graduate Certificate

Sustainable Trails Development Graduate Certificate

Jan. 13, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$719

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Open Doors to A Better Path Forward

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Trails Development, offered by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, welcomes students from various fields who are interested in trails development, programming and management, as well as design. The demand for sustainable trails has increased in recent decades, and outdoor recreation can be a major economic driver for communities. While there are professional organizations offering short trainings, this curriculum is both more in-depth and more accessible. The program covers advocacy, design/build, and post-build opportunities. It features asynchronous online courses, with the capstone project offered either online or in-person (during the summer). Students may complete the graduate certificate on its own, or with a traditional graduate degree.

Group of friends hikers in forest, walking and seeking for a good place for camping.

Program Details

Outdoor recreation can be a major economic driver for communities. Knowledge of sustainable trails has also increased in recent decades. The graduate certificate program in Sustainable Trails Development provides a great synergy with local trail development and programming efforts, including WVU’s 2020 International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Accelerator Grant. The Mon River Trails were inducted to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2020, and Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine proclaimed WVU the best large college for outdoor adventure in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. In addition, Morgantown was selected in 2021 as the pilot city for the Youth Cycling Coalition.

The Sustainable Trails Development curriculum covers:

Advocacy: benefits of trails, funding sources, fundraising, planning for skills progression and shared use;
Design/build: site-responsive design, sustainability, construction materials/costs;
Post-build: volunteer/community engagement, interpretation, and ongoing assessment/maintenance.

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"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

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Contact

Email: Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Sustainable Trails Development Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Cumulative GPA of 2.75
International students whose native language is not English must submit English Language proficiency scores

Application

Admission is rolling for the Fall and Spring semesters. Most students will begin the certificate program in the Fall. It is possible for students to begin with the online course RESM 440 in the summer.

Create an account and complete the WVU Online admissions application.

For the application, you will need to provide:

Current resume
Statement of purpose
Names and email addresses for three persons acquainted with your professional work, experience, or academic background who can provide letters of recommendation

Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities (except WVU) must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.

It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be mailed directly to:
WVU Hub
P.O. Box 6004
Morgantown, WV 26506

Program contact for specific questions regarding curriculum, content, etc.:

Vaike Haas
Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
(304) 293-5661
vaike.haas@mail.wvu.edu

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your Future in Sustainable Trails Development

The graduate certificate program in Sustainable Trails Development provides a great synergy with local trail development and programming efforts, including WVU’s 2020 International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Accelerator Grant. The Mon River Trails were inducted to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2020, Blue Ridge Outdoors proclaimed WVU the best large college for outdoor adventure in the southeast and Mid-Atlantic, and Morgantown was selected in 2021 as the pilot city for the Youth Cycling Coalition.

The Benefits of Choosing Our Program

The demand for sustainable trails has increased in recent decades, and outdoor recreation can be a major economic driver for communities. Knowledge of sustainable trails has also increased in recent decades. While there are professional organizations offering short trainings, this curriculum is both more in-depth and more accessible.

Career Outlook for Sustainable Trails Development

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Trails Development may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Urban and Regional Planner, Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook
Construction Manager, Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook
Social and Community Service Manager, Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook
Sustainability Specialist, Projected Growth: 5-7% *Bright Outlook
Project Management Specialist, Projected Growth: 5-7% *Bright Outlook
Public Land/Range Manager, Projected Growth: 5-7% *Bright Outlook
Information Security Analyst, Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
Fundraising Manager, Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook
General and Operations Manager, Projected Growth: 5-7% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA)

Course	Title	Credit Hours
LARC 532	Recreation, Trails, and Community Development	3
RESM 440	Foundations of Applied GIS	3
LARC 534	Sustainable Trails: Design Concepts	3
LARC 535	Sustainable Trails: Design Detailing	3
RPTR 536	Sustainable Trails: Activation/Engagement	3
LARC 537	Sustainable Trails Practicum Experience	3

Total Hours: 18

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Sustainability?

Sustainability refers to the concept of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves the responsible and balanced use of resources, protection of the environment, and consideration of social and economic factors.

What Can I Do With a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Trails Development?

With the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in outdoor recreation, there is an increasing need for professionals who possess the knowledge and skills to create and manage trails that balance human enjoyment with ecological preservation. This demand is driven by government agencies, non-profit organizations, land management entities, parks and recreation departments, and tourism sectors.