Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science


Academic Information

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.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Science in Climate Science and Solutions?

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.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Carbon offset project manager
  • Climate change analyst
  • Conservation specialist
  • Research assistant
  • Educator

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science


Overview

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 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 a minimum of 200 hours in a professional internship after at least one completed semester in the program 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 starting in the program in spring term must plan to complete their internship experience immediately following their first semester. 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

Core Climate Science Solutions Outcomes
Physical Science
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Greenhouse Gas Accounting
Professional Development

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

School of Earth and Sustainability

Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science


Campus Availability

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