Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need an organization to work with?
Yes. The capstone is a full strategic campaign plan developed for a real organization facing a real climate-related challenge — a company, nonprofit, government agency, campaign, or elected official. This can be your own employer or another organization you work with closely, but you need enough access and standing to build a plan the organization could actually implement. We review this closely during admissions, so please be specific in your application about the organization and the situation you intend to work on.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. Weekly materials are released each Monday at 10 am ET and can be worked through on your own schedule. One element is scheduled: a required 90-minute live cohort session on Thursdays, 10:00–11:30am ET. Optional office hours are offered twice weekly.
Can I work full-time while enrolled?
Yes — the program is built for working professionals, and every assignment applies directly to your own organization. Plan on 6-7 hours per week. Most participants are working full-time, and the reading and writing load is significant, so it's worth blocking the time before the program starts and having the support of your supervisor.
Do I need prior experience in climate change or communication?
No formal background is required. Cohorts include scientists, campaigners, educators, and communications leads at a range of career stages.
What materials do I need?
One textbook, purchased separately: Silverman & Smith, Strategic Planning for Public Relations, 7th edition (ISBN 978-1032391168). All other readings are provided through Canvas. You'll also need reliable internet, a webcam and microphone, and Word, PowerPoint, and Excel or equivalents.
How interactive is the program?
Highly. The 90-minute weekly live sessions use facilitated small-group breakouts, you receive written instructor feedback on each assignment, office hours are available twice a week, and the capstone includes presenting your plan and reviewing your peers' work. Cohorts are capped at a small size so that everyone gets meaningful engagement from both peers and the instructional team.
What if I have to travel or miss a live session?
Let the course instructor know in advance. Session recordings are available, and a short make-up activity may be required.
Will I receive a certificate from Yale?
Yes. Participants who complete all weekly assignments and the capstone receive a certificate of completion signed by the Dean of the Yale School of the Environment and the program's lead faculty. The program is non-credit and non-degree-bearing.