The Climate Science and Solutions (CSS) Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program is designed to train students in the scientific basis of global climate change while also helping students to develop highly valued industry-relevant skills. This 36-credit hour (18 month) non-thesis based masters program has been developed in consultation with an advisory board of professionals to ensure the program meets current and anticipated workforce needs.
In seeking to address the challenges associated with climate change, organizations across the globe are increasingly looking for employees with skills that cross disciplines, including science, public policy, and economics. Our Climate Science and Solutions degree takes the interdisciplinary approach needed to prepare you to address global climate change issues. Here, you can accelerate your career, boost your skill set, and learn to operate more effectively in a variety of professional environments.
Our program will educate you on the science of climate change, and the policy, economics, and technology of climate change mitigation. You will select electives to create an emphasis oriented toward your interests in biological, engineering, policy, or economic approaches to climate solutions. The program also offers internships that will provide you with professional development through on-site direct experience with a private firm, NGO, or government agency working in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 36 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Overall Climate Science and Solutions Program Learning Outcomes:
More Information
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 36 units:
The Program Core (18 Units)
*You will take ENV 675 three times for a total of 6 units.
The Track (12 units)
Select courses from the following list in consultation with graduate advisors:
Fieldwork Experience and Professional Development (6 units)
Please note that this requirement involves a full-time summer fieldwork experience that will provide you with professional training through practical experiences with a private firm, government agency, or non-governmental organization working in the carbon management and market sector. You will work with the CSS career coordinator to design an experience that will enhance your job skills and develop employment contacts to prepare you for a professional position in this field.
A maximum of two courses, up to 6 units, may be at the 400-level.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $1500 per semester for the first 3 semesters has been approved for this program.