Program Overview

Master's in Climate Science & Solutions

The Climate Science & Solutions (CSS) Professional Science Master's program combines a foundation of climate science and sustainable systems studies with professional training and organizational skills to help graduates succeed in the growing climate industry.

Program Highlights

• Professional Science Master's: the 18-month, non-thesis based program is designed to help students directly apply science and policy skills in organizational settings.
• Students meet with faculty, industry professionals, and the CSS Program Coordinator to refine their professional interests and develop a portfolio of their applied projects.
• An advisory board of professionals ensures the program is meeting the current needs of the growing climate industry and provides direct assistance to students in growing their professional network, securing internships and advancing in their career.

Our Students

Excellent candidates for this Professional Science Master's program have undergraduate backgrounds in:

• Engineering
• Science
• Environmental Studies
• Business
• Other academic areas that are committed to learning and applying the science of climate change

Learning Objectives

• Understand and explain the physical nature of global climate change
• Apply national and international standards to conduct professional greenhouse gas inventories
• Evaluate the social and economic externalities of climate change
• Describe the ethical, scientific, and policy strengths and weaknesses of current and proposed mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Identify, analyze, synthesize, and communicate scientific information and uncertainties for public and professional audiences
• Participate in a professional internship and develop the professional skills needed to establish your career in the growing climate industry

Degree Requirements

This is a 36-credit program that includes five core courses (18-credits) focused on the following:

• Science of climate change
• The economics of natural resources and climate change
• The science and management of greenhouse gases
• The principles of sustainable systems
• Environmental discourse around climate change mitigation and adaptation You will select electives to tailor your degree toward biological, engineering, social, policy, or economic approaches to climate solutions. In addition to 12-credits of electives, students participate in a 6-credit career development program, including a professional summer internship. Both the electives and the internship allow students to personalize their degree.

Financing Your Education

Our Office of Student Financial Aid can help you estimate the cost to attend graduate school. You can also learn more about sources of funding on our Student Resources page.

NAU President's Climate Commitment

NAU is committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. Located in Arizona, we face increased climate vulnerabilities such as water scarcity, extreme heat waves, wildfires, and public health issues. As an institutional leader, NAU is responding to this global issue with a focus on adaptability, innovation, and stewardship. Recognizing the urgent need to rapidly adopt renewable energy solutions and sustainable operations responding to the deep commitment of the larger NAU community to climate action and sustainability, President Cruz-Rivera has committed to: "Heightened investments of the university community's time, talents, effort, and resources to securing the conditions needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030."

School of Earth & Sustainability

The School of Earth and Sustainability offers various degrees and programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, Environmental Sciences, Earth Science, Geology, and more. The school also offers minors in Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, and Geology. Graduate programs include Master's degrees in Environmental Sciences and Policy, Geology, and Climate Science and Solutions, as well as a PhD in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability.