Certificate in Sustainable Transportation: Planning & Livable Communities
On This Page: Format | Courses | Cost | Credit/Noncredit Options | Single Course Enrollment | Admissions
Create smart, effective transportation systems to efficiently move people and goods.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of critical issues related to planning and development of sustainable transportation systems. We’ll review policies and programs that promote alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, including mixed-use development and increased population density. You’ll also study the environmental impacts of different transportation options and investigate legal and governmental factors involved in sustainable transportation policy.
Format
This nine-month certificate program is offered in an online format. Classes are held on weekdays in the evening.
Courses
For the noncredit option, you’ll earn 12 CEUs over three quarters. For the credit option, you'll earn 13 credits over three quarters.
Autumn Quarter
Instructor: Ryan Avery
Credit: 5 credits
Noncredit: 4 CEUs
This course provides a broad overview of the elements of transportation planning, from policy and design to analysis and evaluation. You will become familiar with planning frameworks, land use planning, modeling and transportation demand management, environmental policies, and the analytical tools used in the profession. You will also get an introduction to different research methods (credit certificate).
Credit course number: CET 561
Noncredit course number: SUSTRAN 500
Winter Quarter
Instructor: Rocky Piro and Karen Wolf
Credit: 4 credits
Noncredit: 4 CEUs
This course examines the relationship between land use and mobility. During the term, the course explores mobility for all with a focus on social equity. A major focus is bringing health, wellness, and the environment to the concept of mobility. There is an emphasis on connecting land use decision-making with mobility planning, including smart growth and context sensitive design practices. The course examines multi-modal solutions to provide mobility to all people. Finally, there is an evaluation of mobility policy and politics at the federal, state, local and special district levels.
Credit course number: CET 562
Noncredit course number: SUSTRAN 510
Spring Quarter
Instructor: Mark Hallenbeck
Credit: 4 credits
Noncredit: 4 CEUs
This course examines a selection of choices for ground transportation and explores design solutions, policy strategies and modern technologies for getting people where they want and need to go. Common and emerging passenger transportation modes are explored in the context of sustainability, including foot travel; different forms of cycling; various types of buses, trolleys, streetcars, and rail transit; single-occupancy vehicles; carpools and vanpools; shared autos and rides; and connected and autonomous vehicles. The course also considers the data needs and technologies to plan for and measure the performance of these modes of transportation.
Credit course number: CET 563
Noncredit course number: SUSTRAN 520
Cost
The Certificate in Sustainable Transportation: Planning & Livable Communities costs $6,156 for the noncredit option and $10,647 for the credit option (2025–26). Each quarter, students also pay registration ($55) and technology fees ($4–$22). Costs for textbooks and other course materials are extra.
Choose From Credit and Noncredit Options
By completing this certificate program, you can earn up to 12 graduate credits toward degree requirements should you later be accepted into the online Master of Sustainable Transportation. To use these credits, you must enroll in the credit version of the certificate program and obtain graduate nonmatriculated status before you register for the first course. The certificate also has a noncredit option if you don’t plan to pursue a graduate degree. For instructions on how to apply for GNM status, see the GNM section on the Admissions page.
Enroll in a Single Course
If you’re not ready to commit to the full certificate or degree programs, you can enroll in a single course to see if the curriculum is a good fit for you. Learn more about single course enrollment.
Admissions
Application Dates & Deadlines
| Applications Open | Application Deadline | Program Begins |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2026 | August 31, 2026 | September 2026 |
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Professional experience in transportation, planning, public affairs or other related field
- Demonstrated English language proficiency if English isn’t your native language
How to Apply
Before you begin your application, prepare a current resume or CV in plain text format that highlights your education and relevant professional experience.
Before you begin your application, prepare a letter or personal statement in plain text (250 words maximum) that outlines your relevant skills and knowledge and how you acquired them.
Applications for this program are now closed. Check back here later this year when applications open to start the application process.
Complete your application online and submit all required materials.
All applications will be charged a nonrefundable application fee; in one to two business days you’ll get an email with a link to pay your fee.
After Applying
We’ll contact you within two weeks of receiving your application materials to let you know if you’ve been accepted to the program.
If you’re accepted, we’ll send you details about your first-term course, including information on how to register and pay your course fees. To ensure your spot in class, we recommend that you register by the priority registration deadline, which is four weeks before class begins. After that time, we may release your seat to another student. The final registration deadline is two days before the first class meeting.
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The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-685-7264 (fax), or dso@uw.edu.