Specialty Degrees
In addition to the PRQT, the CRU will provide Specialty Degrees (SD) to QRPs. These degrees are designed to meet the specialized and varied needs of the recycling and waste reduction fields.
In order to make the acquisition of these degrees practical for participants, the CRU allows for dual credit recognition whenever possible. Many workshops, trainings, and courses for SDs will also count as CEUs toward the QRP requirements.
To obtain an SD, a person needs to obtain thirty (30) CRU recognized contact hours in the specialty area within a four (4) year period. Some SDs may have additional requirements such as a test prior to certification.
SDs do not require any maintenance or other CEUs after completion of the initial 30 hours. It is permanently recognized and recorded by the CRU and a signed Specialty Degree for that topic is awarded.
Only a person recognized as an QRP can obtain one or more SDs. However, you may earn contact hours for the SD for up to 2 years prior to obtaining the QRP status. No SD will be awarded until the PRQT requirement is fulfilled.
Specialty Degrees in Development by the CRU
Household Hazardous Waste Degree- This degree will focus on the establishment, training, and management of HHW, electronics, and related programs.
Education and Outreach Degree- This degree will further examine educational program development, training for the trainer, communications, and public relations, youth education, buying recycled, and waste reduction.
Specialty Degrees Under Consideration by the CRU
Recycling Economics Degree- This degree may include course work on developing full cost accounting measures, enhancing program economics, waste auditing, innovative and successful programs and general recycling economics.
Public Policy Degree- This degree could focus on the creation and use of public policy tools at the local, state, and federal levels to advance waste reduction and recycling program creation and sustainability.
Commercial and Industrial Degree- This degree may be designed to address the institutional, business, and industry recycling programs and how they both work together and independently of public programs and policies.
Marketing Degree- This degree could focus on the issues of local, regional, national, and international markets fro materials as well as material quality control, market contracts, material values, etc.
Collection and Processing Degree- This degree may offer advance training on collection system alternatives, Pay-As-You-Throw, licensing and contracting, program evaluation, special wastes, and MRF operations.
Program Administration and Management Degree- This degree could offer advance classes in management and leadership skills, personnel management, office organization and management, computer and internet skills, grant writing and administration, and preparation of specifications and similar documents.
