Climate science and solutions
Master of Science
Overview
Related Topics
Lead science-based climate solutions for a changing world
Climate change is creating unprecedented demand for professionals who understand both the science behind Earth's changing climate and the practical solutions needed to help organizations adapt. The Master of Science in climate science and solutions prepares you to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world implementation through an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on climate science, sustainability and professional practice. You'll investigate Earth's changing climate through advanced study in climate science, environmental systems, geospatial technologies, data analysis and interdisciplinary research while developing solutions that support resilient communities, sustainable natural resource management and informed environmental decision-making.
You’ll develop expertise in climate science while building the leadership, communication and analytical skills needed to work across scientific disciplines and organizational settings. Graduate prepared to evaluate climate risks, develop mitigation and adaptation strategies, communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences and lead climate initiatives in government agencies, private industry, consulting firms and nonprofit organizations.
Study on campus in Moscow or complete the program online to learn from expert faculty while engaging with a community of students and professionals committed to addressing climate challenges. The online option offers flexibility to earn your graduate degree while continuing your career, allowing you to immediately apply new knowledge and skills within your current organization or professional field. Coursework emphasizes collaboration, applied problem-solving and real-world projects, ensuring online students remain fully engaged with faculty, classmates and the evolving climate profession.
As Idaho's only Carnegie R1 research university, University of Idaho offers opportunities to work alongside faculty conducting cutting-edge research in climate science, hydrology, remote sensing, environmental modeling and ecosystem resilience. Through close faculty mentorship, collaborative research projects, graduate assistantships (where available) and interdisciplinary partnerships, you'll gain the advanced research experience and technical expertise needed for careers in government, environmental consulting, nonprofit organizations, climate-focused industries or continued doctoral study. UIdaho's collaborative research environment prepares graduates to lead scientific efforts addressing one of the world's most significant environmental challenges.
This program connects climate science with fields including environmental science, engineering, biology, natural resources, sustainability, business and public policy. You'll learn how scientific knowledge can be applied to improve environmental resilience, strengthen communities and support a more sustainable future.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are curious about how Earth's climate is changing and want to better understand the science behind climate impacts.
- Enjoy using research, data and collaboration to solve complex environmental challenges.
- Want to connect climate science with practical solutions that help organizations and communities adapt.
- Are interested in working across disciplines such as environmental science, sustainability, business or public policy.
- Want to strengthen your leadership, communication and analytical skills for climate-focused careers.
- Are looking for a flexible, online degree program that allows you to apply what you’re learning to your current and future career.
- Are looking to advance your career or prepare for doctoral study in a climate-related field.
Prepare to lead climate solutions through science and collaboration
Curriculum and research opportunities
The Master of Science in climate science and solutions is a 30-credit professional graduate program that combines advanced climate science coursework with applied learning experiences and professional development. Rather than completing a traditional research thesis, students gain practical experience through interdisciplinary coursework, internships and collaborative projects that prepare them to apply climate science in organizational settings.
What will I study?
Students build a strong scientific foundation while exploring the environmental, economic and social dimensions of climate change.
Core coursework includes topics such as:
- Science of climate change
- Economics of natural resources
- Greenhouse gas science and management
- Sustainable systems principles
- Environmental communication and climate policy
Students also choose elective coursework aligned with their interests and career goals in areas such as:
- Ecosystem science
- Conservation biology
- Renewable energy
- Environmental engineering
- Climate policy
- Environmental justice
- Sustainability
- Climate finance
- Carbon management
- Community resilience
What professional experience will I gain?
Professional preparation is integrated throughout the program. All students gain practical, career-focused experience through:
- Career development coursework
- Leadership development
- Project management experiences
- Professional communication training
- Collaborative interdisciplinary projects
On-campus students also complete a professional internship. The internship is not required for online students, whose professional preparation is incorporated throughout applied coursework and project experiences.
What skills will I develop?
Graduates develop the ability to:
- Analyze climate science and environmental data
- Evaluate climate risk and uncertainty
- Conduct greenhouse gas inventories
- Design climate mitigation strategies
- Develop climate adaptation plans
- Evaluate sustainability initiatives
- Assess environmental and economic impacts
- Communicate scientific information to technical and nontechnical audiences
- Lead interdisciplinary climate projects
What will I learn to do?
By graduation, students will be prepared to:
- Understand the science of global climate change
- Interpret climate data and projections
- Apply greenhouse gas accounting methods
- Evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies
- Assess social, environmental and economic impacts
- Develop sustainability initiatives
- Communicate climate science effectively
- Lead collaborative climate action projects
Graduates are also well prepared for doctoral study and advanced research in climate science, environmental science, sustainability and related disciplines.
View the program handbook [Link to handbook PDF] You will work with your graduate advisor to select potential courses. There many online courses available to taken as part of this major.
Career outcomes
Costs and funding
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many on-campus graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Program contact:
Alistair Smith
Chair, Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences, College of Science
alistair@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a major professor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in climate science and solutions must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Concentration: thesis and non-thesis
- Semester intake: Summer, Fall and Spring
- Eligible for international applicants who require F-1 or J-1 status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates
University requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's degree from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58.
- Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Graduates are prepared for careers
Climate professionals are in growing demand as organizations across every sector work to understand climate risks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop resilient, science-based solutions. The Master of Science in Climate Science and Solutions prepares graduates to combine scientific expertise with professional skills to lead climate initiatives in government, industry, nonprofit organizations and consulting.
Climate analyst
- Conduct climate risk and vulnerability assessments
- Analyze climate data and projections
- Support climate disclosure and sustainability reporting
- Develop climate adaptation strategies
Sustainability manager
- Lead organizational sustainability initiatives
- Develop climate action plans
- Coordinate greenhouse gas reduction programs
- Measure and report sustainability performance
Climate policy specialist
- Evaluate climate policy and regulations
- Support environmental planning and compliance
- Develop science-based policy recommendations
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement
Climate consultant
- Advise organizations on climate resilience
- Conduct greenhouse gas inventories
- Design climate mitigation and adaptation strategies
- Support sustainability planning and implementation
Environmental project manager
- Lead interdisciplinary environmental projects
- Coordinate renewable energy and resilience initiatives
- Manage natural resource and climate adaptation programs
- Collaborate with government agencies and private organizations