2014-2015

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science

School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This degree will give you the academic background and the professional skills needed in sectors of the economy dealing with sustainability, climate mitigation, and carbon markets. In this non-thesis academic plan, you will learn: the science behind climate change, the policy basis of climate change mitigation, and the fundamentals of greenhouse-gas accounting.

Around the core curriculum of climate science and economics, topics in environmental sustainability, and greenhouse gas science and management, you will select electives to create an emphasis oriented toward your interests in engineering, policy, or economic approaches to climate solutions. A key component of the program is the summer internship that will provide you with professional development through on-site direct experiences with a private firm, government agency, or non-governmental organization that works in the carbon management and market sector.

  • 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:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan 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

Additional Admission Requirements
  • 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:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    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.

    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement or essay
    • Resume or curriculum vitae
Master's Requirements
  • 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.