Climate Adaptation Certificate

The Climate Adaptation Certificate provides a comprehensive graduate-level credential delivered in a highly flexible format for students who want to enhance their professional work with expertise in climate. Students may complete the certificate online (asynchronous) or in person. The certificate is the ideal choice for professionals who need a versatile option to further develop their knowledge of climate adaptation.

Our alumni and current students include individuals from established institutions such as the Weather Channel, engineering firms, and students enrolled at NC State from a variety of programs including education and policy.

International students can complete all of the coursework from their home countries. International students may be able to get financial assistance through the program via the Wold Meteorological Organization.

Certificate students seeking further professional growth in climate science may, during the course of instruction, choose to apply to enter the Master’s degree program in Climate Change & Society.

The twelve-credit Climate Adaptation graduate certificate enables professionals to integrate climate adaptation practices into their existing organizational frameworks by providing expertise in science, risk analysis, as well as tools in policy analysis, communications and geospatial analytics.

Current graduate students enrolled at NC State can also apply to be admitted into the program free of charge. Please consult with the Program Coordinator.

GIS 510 may be substituted by another class pending approval by the Program Director.

Coursework (Total – 12 Credit Hours)

  • MEA 517 Fundamentals of Climate Change Science (3 credits, Fall)
  • MEA 518 Adaptation to Climate Change (3 credits, Spring)
  • MEA 519 Barriers to Climate Change Literacy (3 credits, Fall)
  • GIS 510 Introduction to Geographic Information System Science (3 credits, Fall and Spring) or a different Graduate School class pending approval from the Program Director

Detailed course descriptions are listed on the Core Curriculum website.

Disclosure: Academic success might have a strong bearing on admission to a degree program BUT completion of a certificate program in no way guarantees entry into a graduate degree program, which is done through a separate application process.