Master's Programs

Climate change is an urgent challenge confronting society and our planet. Increasingly volatile environmental conditions – from rising sea levels and ocean acidification to extreme temperatures, droughts,  natural disasters, and more – are affecting populations worldwide, impacting the livelihoods and welfare of vulnerable communities.

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Graduates with the skills and knowledge to approach complex problems from multiple vantage points are critically needed to accelerate the just transition to a net-zero carbon economy and bolster adaptation and resilience to the effects of climate change.

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We offer two STEM-designated master's degree programs built around a shared set of core climate courses that give students an in-depth foundational understanding of climate science, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and climate justice.

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The Career Management Office offers students comprehensive support services, including personalized coaching, networking events, and exclusive job listings, to guide their path from enrollment to employment in the climate sector.

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Master of Science (MS) in Climate – NEW!

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Two-year program that provides core climate knowledge with in-depth training in a chosen area of specialization, including Climate Systems and Analytics, Climate and Food Systems, and Climate and Disaster Management.

Master of Arts (MA) in Climate and Society

One-year program that provides a foundation in core climate knowledge with flexible training for professionals and academics to address the impacts of climate change on society and the environment.
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Columbia Climate School

All programs harness the extensive resources of the Columbia Climate School to prepare students for interdisciplinary, solutions-oriented careers in climate and climate-adjacent fields. The School’s educational mission is to train and support students to be our world’s changemakers – to dream big and create solutions on global, national, and community scales, to drive fundamental research, and to inspire new scientific and scholarly thought.

The MS in Climate program will welcome its first students in fall 2025, with applications anticipated to open in fall 2024.

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