Master’s of Science in
Climate Science and Solutions

The M.S. degree in Climate Science and Solutions is housed in Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies, within the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences.

Our program is designed to give you the academic background and the professional skills needed in sectors of the economy dealing with sustainability, climate change mitigation, and carbon markets. This non-thesis 36 credit hour program addresses 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. A key component of the program is an internship 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.

The objectives of this degree are to help students develop:

• An interdisciplinary understanding of climatic change and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
• An appreciation of the scientific basis of climatic change and the strengths and weaknesses of policies, processes, and tools involved in climate change mitigation.
• Practical experience in the development and verification of greenhouse gas inventories and carbon offset projects.
• Professional knowledge of greenhouse gas protocols and the implementation of International Organization for Standardization practices in a professional setting.
• Real-world experience through a summer internship with industry experts.