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 |
Purpose Statement
The Climate Science and Solutions (CSS) Professional Science Master's (PSM) program combines a foundation in climate science and sustainable systems studies with professional training and organizational skills to help graduates effectively communicate and apply their knowledge to jobs in the growing climate industry.
The CSS program provides students with an applied, interdisciplinary experience that develops competencies in the fundamentals of climate change, translating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, as well as analyzing policy alternatives and quantifying the emissions and cost savings linked to business and organizational actions. Students in the program come from a wide variety of undergraduate training and contribute to robust discussions of the implications of climate science for policy, business and communities.
CSS students examine interdisciplinary strategies for addressing climate adaptation and mitigation challenges. Building on an interdisciplinary core of knowledge in earth systems, climate, communications, policy and economics students can customize the program to meet their specific career objectives in areas including, but not limited to carbon offsets, energy 42 management, energy policy, climate communications, sustainability, environmental education, health and energy management.
As an affiliated Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program, professional development and an applied internship are at the core of the CSS program. Students compete an applied summer internship in their area of interest (e.g., local government sustainability, consulting, natural resource management, science communication, climate policy, renewables and climate impact measurement and verification). Students complete the program with knowledge of climate science principles, an understanding of climate communication, policy and implications for economics and other systems, as well as a portfolio of applied professional experience, contacts and practical tools for positioning themselves for success in their careers.
Student Learning Outcomes
Overall 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:
Complete the following with a grade of B or better in each course (18 units):
*You will take ENV 675 three times, with different topcs, for a total of 9 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.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree. Departments may allow students to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by approving up to 12 units applicable toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $3000 per year has been approved for this program.