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    Environmental Studies: Sustainability and Your World
    Online Program

    Environmental Studies: Sustainability and Your World

    by USC Pre-College

    Explore biodiversity, renewable energy and coastal pollution through USC's environmental studies course, with scientific case studies and independent learning.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Environmental Studies at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Closing soon

    Eligibility

    High school or secondary students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14+

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    $1,990

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    Online

    Next application deadline

    7 October 2026

    Save deadline
    Environmental ScienceBiology
    Language: English
    Sessions / cadence: 5 self-paced modules; 20–25 hours total
    Mentor model: USC Mentor for content questions
    Assessment style: 5 knowledge checks; 70% required
    Certificate: USC Certificate of Completion
    Scheduling model: Independent study on your own schedule

    Environmental Studies summary

    USC's environmental studies course connects ecology and conservation with practical questions about renewable energy, food systems and coastal pollution.

    You work through recorded lectures, readings, case studies and assignments independently, with a USC Mentor available for clarifying content questions.

    It suits students who want structured subject exploration and can manage their own study routine.

    What is Environmental Studies: Sustainability and Your World?

    Environmental Studies: Sustainability and Your World is a USC Pre-College course exploring how ecosystems work and how human choices affect them. Its interdisciplinary focus connects population ecology, biodiversity, food, natural resources, renewable energy and coastal pollution.

    The course uses recorded lectures, scientific research, case studies and related activities to examine conservation challenges and innovations. Students learn independently, drawing on examples such as aquaculture and renewable energy to understand sustainability and possible study or career directions.

    Why Succeed highlights Environmental Studies

    • The course connects ecological science with concrete conservation questions rather than treating sustainability as a slogan.

    • Case studies in aquaculture and renewable energy help students examine how environmental innovations work in practice.

    • Featured faculty member David Ginsburg brings expertise in environmental studies and marine environmental biology.

    • Repeatable knowledge checks give students a clear way to test understanding as they progress.

    Who is Environmental Studies for?

    Best for

    Students curious about conservation, ecology and sustainability who want guided subject exploration and are comfortable studying independently.

    Not ideal if

    You want college credit, fieldwork or a scheduled live classroom experience, since this course centers on independently completed online material.

    Is Environmental Studies worth it?

    This course can be useful if you want a structured introduction to environmental science before choosing further study. Its strongest feature is the connection between ecological principles, scientific research and real conservation examples, supported by clear learning outcomes.

    The tuition warrants careful comparison with other ways to explore the subject. The course is non-credit-bearing and independently paced, so its value depends on your engagement with the material rather than the certificate alone.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, time commitment, provider details, student outcomes and online support to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $1,990; includes Access to the chosen online course and materials for up to three months., Recorded lectures, readings and course assignments., USC Mentor access for clarifying course-content questions., Certificate of Completion after meeting course requirements., USC Pre-College Programs transcript on request..

    Dates and time commitment

    4 weeks; 5 self-paced modules; 20–25 hours total.

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    What the student gains

    Potential output: Successful completion earns a USC Certificate of Completion.. Check whether feedback, certificate, recommendation or application evidence is included.

    Online support and safeguarding

    Yes. Students can contact a USC Mentor for clarifying course-content questions. The learning platform also includes chat features and messages from mentors and staff.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, session schedule, payment terms, cancellation rules, support expectations and what output or certificate is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Environmental Studies need?

    Effort level

    Moderate, with approximately 20–25 hours of independent coursework.

    Best started

    Begin planning two to three weeks before your chosen intake deadline for the essay, family details and payment.

    Main challenge

    Maintaining a study routine without a fixed classroom timetable.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose one environmental question you would like the course to help you understand.

    • Draft a short explanation of your interest and gather parent or guardian contact information.

    • Reserve regular study blocks and plan how the course will fit around schoolwork.

    • Review the certificate requirements and cancellation terms with your parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in conservation or environmental science.

    What do students do on Environmental Studies?

    You examine environmental challenges through recorded lectures, readings, scientific research and case studies. Related activities and module knowledge checks help you apply ideas and assess your understanding.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Work through the recorded course material and readings at your own pace.

    2. 2

      Examine examples involving conservation, renewable energy, aquaculture and human impacts on ecosystems.

    3. 3

      Complete the course assignments and sustainability activities.

    4. 4

      Take the knowledge check at the end of each module, retaking it when needed.

    5. 5

      Complete all five modules and meet the knowledge-check requirements to earn the certificate.

    Environmental Studies dates and deadlines

    September intake 1 application deadline

    9 September 2026

    Past

    September intake 2 application deadline

    23 September 2026

    Past

    October intake 2 application deadline

    21 October 2026

    Upcoming

    November intake 1 application deadline

    4 November 2026

    Upcoming

    November intake 2 application deadline

    18 November 2026

    Upcoming

    December intake 1 application deadline

    2 December 2026

    Upcoming

    December intake 2 application deadline

    16 December 2026

    Upcoming

    September intake 1

    14 September 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 14 September 2026.

    Past

    September intake 2

    28 September 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 28 September 2026.

    Past

    October intake 1

    12 October 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 12 October 2026.

    Upcoming

    October intake 2

    26 October 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 26 October 2026.

    Upcoming

    November intake 1

    9 November 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 9 November 2026.

    Upcoming

    November intake 2

    23 November 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 23 November 2026.

    Upcoming

    December intake 1

    7 December 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 7 December 2026.

    Upcoming

    December intake 2

    21 December 2026

    Application and tuition deadline; course starts 21 December 2026.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Applicants must be at least 14 years old.

    • Applicants must be enrolled in high school or secondary education.

    • Domestic and international applicants may apply.

    • International applicants are expected to be proficient in English.

    • Graduates, gap-year students and older applicants may request an exemption.

    • Exemption requests require an interest statement of no more than 200 words.

    How much does Environmental Studies cost?

    Course tuition

    $1,990 — Includes online course and materials access.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $35 — Nonrefundable.

    What's included

    Access to the chosen online course and materials for up to three months., Recorded lectures, readings and course assignments., USC Mentor access for clarifying course-content questions., Certificate of Completion after meeting course requirements., USC Pre-College Programs transcript on request.

    How to apply to Environmental Studies

    1. 1

      Create an account or log in through USC's online application portal.

    2. 2

      Choose Environmental Studies: Sustainability and Your World and your preferred start date.

    3. 3

      Provide your contact information and parent or guardian details.

    4. 4

      Write a short-answer essay introducing yourself and explaining your interest.

    5. 5

      Optionally share a piece of writing, video or social media content.

    6. 6

      Submit your application and pay the $35 application fee by your intake deadline.

    7. 7

      After admission, pay tuition by the published deadline and sign the Letter of Understanding before starting.

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    Learning format

    The course is completed online through recorded lectures, readings, assignments and five independently studied modules, totaling approximately 20–25 hours. USC expects completion in four weeks, with up to 90 days of access for students who need more time.

    USC's learning platform provides course content, assignments, chat features and messages from mentors and staff.

    Mentorship and feedback

    • Learn from recorded material featuring USC environmental studies professor David Ginsburg.

    • Ginsburg holds a PhD in marine environmental biology from USC.

    • Contact a USC Mentor for clarifying questions about course content.

    • Use the learning platform's chat features and mentor or staff messages.

    • Ask an instructor or course mentor about permitted AI assistance.

    Time-zone considerations

    • Recorded course material is completed independently on your own schedule.
    • Plan for approximately 20–25 hours of coursework overall.
    • Aim to finish in four weeks, with up to 90 days of access.
    • Domestic and international applicants use the same online application.

    Tech requirements

    • Use a computer, tablet or phone to access course materials.

    • Have internet access and a web browser.

    • Access coursework through USC's online learning platform.

    • Use the access instructions emailed after full tuition payment.

    Assessment style

    Assessment combines course assignments and content completion with multiple-choice knowledge checks at the end of each module.

    • Complete all five course modules.
    • Take one knowledge check at the end of each module.
    • Score at least 70 percent on each knowledge check.
    • Retake knowledge checks as many times as needed.
    • Submit original work and acknowledge any permitted AI assistance.

    Portfolio / outputs

    Main deliverable / output

    Successful completion earns a USC Certificate of Completion.

    • Complete assignments and activities analyzing sustainability trends.

    • Request a USC Pre-College Programs course transcript.

    • Include the completion certificate on your high school resume or college applications.

    Environmental Studies FAQs

    Featured topics include population and community ecology, conservation and biodiversity, food and the future, natural resources and renewable energy, and coastal pollution.

    Plan for approximately 20–25 hours of coursework. USC expects students to complete the course in four weeks, with up to 90 days of access if more time is needed.

    Complete all five modules and score at least 70 percent on each module's knowledge check. The multiple-choice checks can be retaken as needed.

    No. It is a non-credit certificate course. Successful completion earns a USC Certificate of Completion, and a USC Pre-College Programs transcript can be requested.

    Featured faculty member David Ginsburg is an environmental studies professor at USC Dornsife. He holds a PhD in marine environmental biology and has research experience across coral reefs, kelp forests and polar marine habitats.

    Yes. Students can contact a USC Mentor for clarifying course-content questions. The learning platform also includes chat features and messages from mentors and staff.

    USC states that enrollment does not guarantee admission or special admissions preference. The certificate can be added to your high school resume or college applications.

    The $35 application fee is nonrefundable. Written cancellation requests made within three days after the course starts qualify for a tuition refund; later requests do not.

    Alternatives to Environmental Studies

    Compare these related in-person programs if you want to explore environmental science or neighboring scientific subjects in a campus setting.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • USC Online Application Management
    • USC Online Exploration Courses Policies | USC Pre-College
    • Online Sustainability and Environmental Studies Course | USC Pre-College
    • USC Pre-College Online FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • Online Sustainability and Environmental Studies Course | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Course content reviewed

    • Intake deadlines checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Tuition and fees checked

    • Certificate requirements checked

    • Refund terms reviewed

    • Funding guidance cross-checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.