Columbia Climate School offers students the opportunity to pursue a second degree with other schools at Columbia University.
The Climate School offers interdisciplinary dual degree programs with the MS in Climate. Dual programs award two degrees in less time than pursuing the degrees separately. Students who wish to enter the dual degree program must apply to each participating program and be admitted to both. Additional dual degree programs with other schools at Columbia and partner institutions around the world will be added in the coming years.
MS in Climate and MS in Architecture & Urban Design (Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation)
Students enrolled in this dual degree program are awarded both the MS in Climate and MS in Architecture and Urban Design. This 78-credit program, completed over five semesters, combines climate science, adaptation strategies, and innovative design skills to address climate change through resilient, adaptive urban environments. By integrating climate expertise with architecture and urban studies, the program prepares students to design low-carbon, equitable, and climate-responsive communities, equipping future scholars and practitioners with the tools to build a sustainable future.
Interested candidates must apply separately to Columbia Climate School and GSAPP. Each school’s admissions decisions are made independently based solely on that school’s selection criteria. Students pay the tuition and fees of and are granted financial aid by the school in which they are in residence during a given year. Students may begin the dual program in either school.
Questions? Email us at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.
Students must enroll for 78 points of credit – 33 points of credit over two semesters in the Climate School’s MS in Climate and 45 points of credit over three semesters in GSAPP’s MS in Architecture and Urban Design. Students are responsible for meeting with both program directors periodically to ensure that they meet individual curriculum and point and residency requirements.
While enrolled in the MS in Climate, students receive an immersive year of climate courses centered on the scientific understanding of climate, quantitative methods, mitigation pathways, adaptation strategies and policies, justice frameworks, and societal impacts. While enrolled in the MS AUD degree students learn the history, theory, research, and design techniques from the disciplines of architecture, planning, and urban studies to equip them with analytical and creative tools to design environmentally friendly and responsive developments in the built environment. Together, the dual program will train scholars and practitioners to create and manage built environments that support local, low-carbon economies and just, resilient, healthy, and prosperous communities.
Students will:
- Gain an understanding of the intersections between design, built environment, planning, policy, and climate justice
- Become conversant in climate adaptation policies and investments
- Practice workshop sessions and facilitation skills to advance climate-resilient community change
- Devise and connect design and policy solutions to local climate challenges
- Conceive, develop, and design urban design & infrastructural responses to climate change
MS in Climate ➡ MS in Architecture & Urban Design
MS in Architecture & Urban Design ➡ MS in Climate
Both schools offer career services to enrolled students. Below are the services offered by the Climate School; please see GSAPP website for their offerings.
Upon completing this dual degree, students will be qualified for a range of roles across sectors, industries and geographic scales. There has been an increasing need for professional expertise in climate and design and climate-conscious urban strategies.
The Career Management Office supports Climate School students as they prepare for and obtain professional opportunities. From enrollment to employment, staff are here to provide students with the following services and programming: coaching, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, Alumni Mentorship programs, student-alumni networking events, employer info sessions, and an exclusive job board. These resources contribute to the growth and development of each student. Career management staff are also continually forging strategic industry partnerships so that students are exposed to a broad range of opportunities in climate.
MS in Climate and MS in Carbon Management (Columbia Engineering)
Students enrolled in this dual degree program are awarded both the MS in Climate and MS in Carbon Management. This 63-credit program, completed over four semesters, combines climate science and societal impacts with carbon management expertise to prepare and train students to develop and implement low-carbon strategies across sectors and industries. It provides a unique educational experience for students with a wide range of backgrounds and different career paths.
Interested candidates must apply separately to Columbia Climate School and Columbia Engineering. Each school’s admissions decisions are made independently based solely on that school’s selection criteria. Students pay the tuition and fees of and are granted financial aid by the school in which they are in residence during a given year.
Students may begin the dual program in either school. The recommended path for international students is to begin at the Climate School, due eligibility for F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the summer semester.
Questions? Email us at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.
Students must enroll for 63 points of credit – 33 points of credit over two semesters in the Climate School’s MS in Climate and 30 points of credit over two semesters in Columbia Engineering’s MS in Carbon Management. Students are responsible for meeting with both program directors periodically to ensure that they meet individual curriculum and point and residency requirements.
While enrolled in the MS in Climate, students receive an immersive year of climate courses centered on the scientific understanding of climate, quantitative methods, mitigation pathways, adaptation strategies and policies, justice frameworks, and societal impacts. While enrolled in the MS Carbon Management degree, students gain technical depth through core courses focused on multi-faceted aspects of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and low-carbon energy conservation systems, as well as electives focused on related engineering, policy, and economics. Together, the dual program trains students to both create and implement multi-faceted solutions to the carbon problem as a key pathway to addressing the climate crisis.
This dual degree puts a precise and integrated focus on carbon management and the context, science, and impact of climate change. It prepares students to develop and implement low-carbon strategies across sectors and industries.
MS in Climate ➡ MS in Carbon Management
MS in Carbon Management ➡ MS in Climate
Both schools offer career services to enrolled students. Below are the services offered by the Climate School. Please see Columbia Engineering Career Development for their offerings.
Upon completing this dual degree, students will be qualified for a range of roles across sectors, industries and geographic scales. There is an increasing need for interdisciplinary experts well versed in climate science, mitigation pathways, adaptation strategies, and carbon management solutions aimed at mitigating the impact of CO2 emissions.
The Career Management Office supports Climate School students as they prepare for and obtain professional opportunities. From enrollment to employment, staff are here to provide students with the following services and programming: coaching, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, Alumni Mentorship programs, student-alumni networking events, employer info sessions, and an exclusive job board. These resources contribute to the growth and development of each student. Career management staff are also continually forging strategic industry partnerships so that students are exposed to a broad range of opportunities in climate.
