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 |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
Purpose Statement
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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Climate Science and Solutions Coursework (18 units)
The Track (12 units)
Please note that this requirement involves a professional internship after a least one semester in the program 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. Students starting the program in spring term must plan to complete their internship experience immediately following their first semester. 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.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and start a Master of Science in Climate Science and Solutions at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and start a Master of Science in Climate Science and Solutions at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and start a Master of Science in Climate Science and Solutions at NAU.
OR
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Geology and start a Master of Science in Climate Science and Solutions at NAU.
Students accepted into one of the Accelerated Programs should complete the appropriate requirements below.
Students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences to Masters program complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Climate Science and Solutions Coursework (27 units)
The Track (3 units)
Please note that this requirement involves a professional internship after a least one semester in the program 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. Students starting the program in spring term must plan to complete their internship experience immediately following their first semester. 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.
Students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, or the Bachelor of Science in Geology to Masters program complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
The Track (9 units)
Please note that this requirement involves a professional internship after a least one semester in the program 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. Students starting the program in spring term must plan to complete their internship experience immediately following their first semester. 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 has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.