Climate Science & Solutions
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CSS Program page for more informationResources for current students
CSS Faculty & Staff
Climate Science and Solutions, Master of Science
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.
Requirements Accordion Open
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.
Overview Accordion Closed
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 |
| 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
- Understand and explain the physical nature of global climate change.
- Apply national and international standards to conduct professional entity-level and or project-based 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.
- Explain what a greenhouse gas is and how it operates in the Earth system.
- Describe and quantify the role of greenhouse gases in Earth’s energy budget and climate system.
- Describe past, present, and projected changes to the major stocks and fluxes of carbon in the global carbon cycle.
- Quantitatively compare natural and anthropogenic sources and sinks of carbon.
- Describe feedback in Earth’s climate system and their potential role in past, present, and future climatic conditions.
- Recognize and explain how climate change projections vary by geographic region.
- Explain key uncertainties associated with climate projections.
- Ability to communicate effectively about climate change to diverse audiences with diverse perspectives.
- Describe the current state of climate science in terms of projected changes in Earth’s temperature under contrasting emissions scenarios.
- Explain economics of climate change and the policy tools available to address economic externalities.
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of existing and potential climate-related policies and the political forces influencing proposed changes.
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of different energy resources, technologies, and policies.
- Quantify energy yield per mass of carbon emitted for major energy resources.
- Identify the benefits and challenges of developing renewable energy resources and new energy paradigms.
- Describe the potential climate implications of different mitigation strategies.
- Recognize the ethical and social justice implications of different climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Describe how social conflicts arise surrounding proposed adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Identify inconsistencies in social and ethical arguments for various adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Effectively facilitate public discussions focused on climate mitigation and adaptation topics.
- Identify, extract, and process relevant data and information for greenhouse gas accounting.
- Apply appropriate national and international standards to track and report greenhouse gas emissions.
- Categorize emissions according to their activity type within an organization.
- Quantify emission factors for a particular activity, and recognize and apply appropriate published emission factors by activity.
- Identify and explain key uncertainties in greenhouse gas inventories.
- Develop a comprehensive emission reduction plan for a project or organization.
- Verify greenhouse gas emissions reported by others.
- Advise a client on the information and data management needs for robust greenhouse gas inventories.
- Communicate professionally (in written and oral form) the results of a greenhouse gas inventory project to a client.
- Identify your career and learning goals, learning needs, and learning style preferences
- Develop a personal career development plan based on your strengths and goals.
- Effectively represent your experience, skills and competencies through written (resume, cover letter, social media, application materials) and verbal (interview skills, presentation skills, etc.) communication.
- Build on your strengths in working with others on team projects.
- Develop your project management skills.
- Establish, maintain, and grow your professional network.
- Increase your experience and marketability, as well as your level of knowledge about career opportunities, through a professional internship.
Details Accordion Closed
Graduate Admission Information
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:- 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.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Master's Requirements
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
- Climate Science and Solutions Coursework: 18 units
- “The Track” electives selected in consultation with an advisor: 12 units
- Fieldwork Experience and Professional Development: 6 units
Take the following 36 units:
Climate Science and Solutions Coursework (18 units)
The Track (12 units)
- Select from the following list in consultation with graduate advisors (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.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
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 must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.
Be sure to speak with the Master's Program Director/Coordinator regarding your interest in the accelerated plan.
- Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.
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:- Climate Science and Solutions Coursework: 27 units
- “The Track” electives selected in consultation with an advisor: 3 units
- Fieldwork Experience and Professional Development: 6 units
Take the following 36 units:
Climate Science and Solutions Coursework (27 units)
The Track (3 units)
- Select from the following list in consultation with graduate advisors (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:- Climate Science and Solutions Coursework: 21 units
- “The Track” electives selected in consultation with an advisor: 9 units
- Fieldwork Experience and Professional Development: 6 units
Take the following 36 units:
The Track (9 units)
- Select from the following list in consultation with graduate advisors (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.
Additional Information
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 Fee Information
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.