MA Climate + Society

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Studying Climate

Hear from our MA in Climate and Society students, professors, and alumni.

Program

The MA in Climate and Society is a 12-month interdisciplinary graduate program that trains professionals and academics to understand and address the impacts of climate variability and climate change on society and the environment. Through classes and research, students gain knowledge in both climate and social sciences as they relate to climate.

The MA in Climate and Society is designed to help young professionals and academics understand the science of climate change and variability and how to use it to help humanity thrive in the 21st century. The program prepares students to translate complex scientific information and understand the risks a shifting climate poses as well as how to take advantage of the predictable aspects of natural climate variability.

Graduates from the MA in Climate and Society work at the nexus of social science, climate science, and public policy.

Curriculum

The program offers a curriculum designed to give students the flexibility to pursue their specific interests while gaining strong fundamentals in climate science and policy.

A set of five core courses provide a scientific basis for inquiry and interdisciplinary problem-solving. In addition to the core courses, Climate and Society students take a minimum of four electives at any of Columbia’s graduate schools. 

During the final semester, students gain practical skills and experience through the completion of an internship or capstone project.

Post-Graduation Careers

Climate and Society alumni carry a deep understanding of the climate system and societal impacts that can be translated to professional experiences across the public, private and NGO sectors. Together, our alumni network is at the forefront of helping society addressing the climate crisis in a just and equitable way.