The Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) recognizes experienced environmental educators for their skills and contributions to the field while bringing together environmental stewards and educators through a structured and impactful professional development experience. EECP is an 11-month program in which environmental educators demonstrate their competencies through group discussions, individual reflection, assignment submissions, and the completion and presentation of a community action project.
Through participation in the certification program, educators expand their professional networks, build meaningful connections across the state, and develop a deeper understanding of the diverse career pathways available within environmental education. EECP is conducted online through Zoom and utilizes Moodle as its learning management platform.
Cohort Participation: Each participant joins monthly cohort calls consisting of approximately 20 members. Cohort meetings include check-ins, presentations of relevant content, breakout conversations, and collaborative group assignments. Meetings are conducted through Zoom.
Engagement in Online Learning Community: Participants engage in online discussions, collaborative conversations, and digital submission of assignments through the learning platform.
Completion of Independent and Group Assignments: Assignments may include reflections on articles and videos; completion of learning modules (such as online learning modules developed by NAAEE); exploration of participants’ bioregions; personal reflection on practices related to social and emotional learning (SEL) and equitable and inclusive teaching practices; lesson plan review and submission; and planning, presenting, and reporting on the final community action project.
Professional Development: For the 2025–2026 program year, AEOE is partnering with UCANR California Naturalist to offer EECP participants an asynchronous, condensed version of the Climate Stewards Program. AEOE is also partnering with Project WET to provide a professional development workshop for course participants.
Community Action Project: The program culminates with a community action project that allows participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program while creating a positive impact within their community. Projects are presented at or around the spring statewide conference or through an online alternative format.
Community Action Project Presentation: Attendance at the spring statewide conference, where community action projects are presented, is strongly encouraged. An online presentation alternative will be available. Conference scholarships are available for participants who need tuition assistance.
Mentorship: Each participant is matched with an environmental education mentor who provides guidance and support through monthly virtual small-group meetings. Participants work with mentors to establish professional learning goals and discuss progress toward their culminating community action project.
Number of Units: 1.0 - 9.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) Participants.
PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.
University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.
Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.
These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.
Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.
Directions to Enroll for Credit
Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (AEOE) Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Step 2: Complete the Course Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)
Step 3: Register for University Credit After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.
If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.
Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to [email protected], including the course number in your message.
Step 5: Receive Your Transcript No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account.
Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.
Need additional university credit or CEUs? Visit the Credit Validation Course Catalog to explore available credit options.
Audience: Environmental educators in any setting (classroom teachers, early childhood educators, nature-based instructors, educators in informal and nonformal settings)
Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, minus a $25 processing fee, if the refund is requested within 30 days of the enrollment date. Refunds will not be issued once a grade has been assigned or after the 30-day period has passed.
Enrollment Open Through: Dec/31/2026 11:59 PM
Review step #4 for instructions on how to submit your Certificate of Completion.
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.
Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.
Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.
Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.