Curriculum
The CCS Master’s degree program and Climate Adaptation certificate provide students with critical skills, knowledge and expertise in climate science and climate adaptation. These programs prepare graduates to meet the growing demand for climate adaptation expertise.
Enrolled students have the opportunity to match course offerings with their career interests. Together with advisors, students develop a flexible course plan to meet their personal and professional goals.
Master’s Program Curriculum
The CCS Master’s program curriculum consists of 30 credit hours. Fifteen credits should consist of core classes outlined below, while the remaining 15 credits come from elective courses.
CORE CLASSES
MEA 516 Climate Risk Analysis (offered exclusively online)
Prepares students to analyze climate data to enable decision making under uncertain climate conditions. A wide variety of observational and model generated climate data sets will be considered. Students will learn how to present climate information in attractive and effective graphics. . The course will address observed historical trends in climate, including the underlying assumptions and statistical methods, including correlation and regression analyses, that have been used to assess such trends. . In the second half of the term focuses on spatial analysis of climate-related anomalies and trends, ensemble prediction, and its applications to climate sensitive systems. (3 credits) MEA 516 is offered exclusively online in the Spring semester.
MEA 517 Fundamentals of Climate Change Science (in-person and remote options)
Presents the basic science of climate change, including chemical and physical systems and processes. The students will be introduced to how the climate system works and the role of greenhouse gases in the climate system. Students will learn about climatological data, climate models and how predictions/projections are made. Emphasis will be placed upon relating predicted/projected changes to manifestations such as sea level rise and changes in the distribution and character of precipitation. Topics include the primary climate components, ocean-atmospheric teleconnections, decadal and multi-decadal climate indices, natural and anthropogenic climate variability, and climate model projections. MEA 517 is a SDG Initiative course and is offered in the Fall semester with in-person and online options.
MEA 518 Adaptation to Climate Change (in-person and remote options)
Investigates the technological, economic, communication, scientific and legal challenges inherent to adaptation to climate change. This course provides practical hands-on experience for professionals in developing adaptation strategies in climate sensitive sectors. Content draws heavily on case studies in international development, infrastructure, health, energy, and transportation sectors. MEA 518 is a SDG Initiative course MEA 518 is a SDG Initiative course and is offered in the Spring semester with in-person and online options.
MEA 519 Barriers to Climate Change Literacy (offered exclusively online)
Investigates the cognitive, affective and behavioral barriers to climate literacy and the ways in which effective communication strategies can be utilized to address these challenges. Critical analysis of key aspects of climate science, common misconceptions, mental models, cultural influences, and risk perceptions about climate change will be examined. The various approaches to creating effective climate messages that appropriately address a variety of publics will be discussed where students will develop products that incorporate these methods/practices. The course will feature relevant readings and videos (See Susan Hassol’s TED talk), classroom discussions, student-led presentations, and summative and formative course feedback though course assignments and exams. MEA 519 is a SDG Initiative course and is offered exclusively online in the Fall semester
MEA 630 Independent Study
Applied Climate Experience (ACE) portion of the degree. Our ACE program has focused on several communications projects, such as teaching high school students about climate. MEA 630 is completed during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
ELECTIVE CLASSES
Students will choose 15 credit hours of electives that are tailored to their personal career interests. Our wide-ranging selection includes topics such as global environmental law and policy, business, and crisis communications. Available electives change often, so view the most up-to-date offerings here. We will help you choose a suite of elective courses that best matches you interests and career objectives.
Climate Adaptation Certificate Curriculum
The Climate Adaptation Certificate consists of four classes outlined below, which also form the foundation of the CCS Master’s Degree.
MEA 517 Fundamentals of Climate Change Science (in-person and remote options)
Presents the basic science of climate change, including chemical and physical systems and processes. The students will be introduced to how the climate system works and the role of greenhouse gases in the climate system. Students will learn about climatological data, climate models and how predictions/projections are made. Emphasis will be placed upon relating predicted/projected changes to manifestations such as sea level rise and changes in the distribution and character of precipitation. Topics include the primary climate components, ocean-atmospheric teleconnections, decadal and multi-decadal climate indices, natural and anthropogenic climate variability, and climate model projections. MEA 517 is a SDG Initiative course and is offered in the Fall semester with in-person and online options.
MEA 518 Adaptation to Climate Change (in-person and remote options)
Investigates the technological, economic, communication, scientific and legal challenges inherent to adaptation to climate change. This course provides practical hands-on experience for professionals in developing adaptation strategies in climate sensitive sectors. Content draws heavily on case studies in international development, infrastructure, health, energy, and transportation sectors. MEA 518 is a SDG Initiative course and is offered in the Spring semester with in-person and online options.
MEA 519 Barriers to Climate Change Literacy (offered exclusively online)
Investigates the cognitive, affective and behavioral barriers to climate literacy and the ways in which effective communication strategies can be utilized to address these challenges. Critical analysis of key aspects of climate science, common misconceptions, mental models, cultural influences, and risk perceptions about climate change will be examined. The various approaches to creating effective climate messages that appropriately address a variety of publics will be discussed where students will develop products that incorporate these methods/practices. The course will feature relevant readings and videos (See Susan Hassol’s TED talk), classroom discussions, student-led presentations, and summative and formative course feedback though course assignments and exams. MEA 519 is a SDG Initiative course and is offered exclusively online in the Fall semester