Bridging Nations has been in operation since 2002. For more information on past Bridging Nations activities, see the events organized by Bridging Nations.
When does the program start?
Courses start each quarter, we have courses starting in first weeks of January, April, July and October each year.
Where are you located?
Our offices are located at 1800 K St. NW Suite 622 in Washington D.C. 20006.
Are Bridging Nations certificates accepted as accredited?
Bridging Nations currently offers non-credit Graduate Certificates. The Graduate Certificates are similar to those offered by professional or continuing studies programs at other major universities.
Email admissions@cees-edu.org with the subject line “Application Status.” You will receive a response promptly.
When will I hear of the decision regarding my application?
Candidates are considered on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within two weeks of your application.
Decision notifications will be sent via email to the address on your application form.
How long does the Certificate Program take to complete?
The Certificate Program can be completed over two consecutive quarters (6 months total) or with the completion of the required number of applicable courses over a longer time period.
Can I take more than two quarters to complete a program?
Yes. Although we recommend students take their courses within the normal timeframe, students can opt to spread their classes out over a longer period of time if necessary. Students are required to work closely with Bridging Nations staff to ensure the courses they need to complete are available at the times that suit their schedules.
After I have finished the Certificate Program will I be able to transfer credits towards a Master’s Degree?
Transferring credit towards a Master's Degree at another educational institution varies depending on the policies of those universities. We cannot guarantee that non-credit Certificates will be accepted.
What is the class size for an average course at Bridging Nations?
Lecture and seminar classes will typically range between 15-25 students.
How many courses must I take to be a part-time student? Full-time student?
Students in the Graduate Certificate program are all considered part-time; there might be exceptions in the case of special circumstances.
What if I do not know much about math or science?
The Certificate Program is designed for individuals with varying levels of math/science experience. Students must possess basic knowledge regarding these subject areas. No additional knowledge is required; however, any supplemental knowledge in these fields would be advantageous.
Are there Homework Assignments?
Yes, professors are free to assign reading and other assignments to their students. Assignments will be posted online on the Learning Management System.
What is the Specialized Project?
The Specialized Project is a practical course that all students in the Certificate Program have the ability to take as one of their four courses. Please click here for more information on the Specialized Project.
How do I get assigned a Specialized Project?
The Academic Adviser will help you determine what Specialized Project is best for you and your interests.
For which types of jobs will a Graduate Certificate from the College of Energy, Environment and Sustainability prepare me?
Click here to explore the various opportunities that you will have after taking courses at BN’s College of Energy, Environment and Sustainability.
What is the grading system?
BN applies the standard 4.0 grading system.
Will I have support from professors regarding any questions or concerns about the course?
Yes, professors will hold regular office hours via videoconferencing in addition to prompt responses to emails. Students can also post questions on an online Forum via the Learning Management System.
Unlike many online colleges, BN has a specialized Mentorship Program that matches students with energy professionals in various sectors of the field. Please click here for more information on the BN Mentorship Program.
Do I get to choose my mentor organization?
Bridging Nations staff will do their best to match students with the mentor organization of their choice.
How often do I meet with my mentor?
Face-to-face meetings occur at least twice a year (once at the Meet-and-Greet, and then once again during presentations of the Industry Projects at the end of the year). Dependent upon locality, students and mentors can decide for themselves if they are able to meet in person, or whether they will correspond via email and teleconferencing.
Students receive a link in their email before each class that directs them to their virtual classroom.
What is the class schedule like?
Classes will be held on weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
What do I need to take to live online classes?
Every student must have the following:
-Laptop or desktop computer
-Microphone
-Webcam
-High speed, reliable, and stable internet connection.
-(Not sure if your internet is fast enough? Email admissions@bridgingnations.org to schedule a test class, to try the experience out for yourself.)
What do I do if I miss a lecture? Can I listen to it later?
Yes, all lectures are recorded in full. BN staff will post a link to all recorded lectures online on the Learning Management System.
Tuition for the Certificate Program is $4,000 total for all four courses. There are flexible payment plan options available to help students finance their education.
Are there any other expenses?
Students are required to have their own laptop with webcam and microphone, as well as access to stable high-speed Internet.
Do you offer financial aid?
Bridging Nations prices its tuition at a low, flat rate to help make education affordable for all prospective students. At this time, we do not offer financial aid, but we will provide resources detailing available outside funding options for students.
Yes. In addition to career and industry advice from your Mentor and Academic Adviser, Bridging Nations will be able to provide assistance for its graduates through seminars on resume-writing, industry advice, practice interviews, and more. We will maintain a job listing for energy companies to which students will have access.
