Developing an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Climate Change and Society

An innovative graduate program in Climate Change and Society (CCS) is under development at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA). The interdisciplinary approach will provide students with an array of knowledge and skills to be successful in the emerging field of the physical and social impacts of climate change. The program is being developed within the framework of the Professional Science Master's (PSM) initiative, which aspires to provide students advanced scientific and technical training while developing valuable business and collaborative skills.

The CCS curriculum will deliver core courses in climate change science, decision modeling and statistics, geographic information systems, and environmental economics among others. Engagement in an internship or research project will focus student learning in one of two specialties: climate risk analysis or climate policy. Risk analysis students will receive practical, hands-on experience in analyzing climate risks and developing adaptation strategies in climate sensitive sectors. Climate policy students will become effective interpreters and communicators of climate change data and information.