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Online Graduate Certificate in Climate Science and Adaptation

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100% Online

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9 Credits

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$608/cr.

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Rolling Admissions

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No GRE/GMAT Required

About the Program

The online Graduate Certificate in Climate Science and Adaptation provides the knowledge and skills to integrate climate change into any career.

Students will:

  • Gain an understanding of the Earth’s physical and chemical climate system
  • Learn about the relationships between climate, ecosystems, and humans
  • Develop familiarity with climate analysis tools
  • Strengthen professional skills, including communication with diverse audiences and collaborative skills

This program was developed by the Climate Change Institute (CCI), one of the oldest climate research units in the United States.

Contact Us

Have questions about earning your Graduate Certificate in Climate Science and Adaptation online with UMaine? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.

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Julie Roach

UMaineOnline Advisor

207.573.0417
julie.a.roach@maine.edu

Schedule a Meeting

Curriculum

The coursework builds vital knowledge areas, including the physical science basis for climate change, climate-biosphere-society interactions and their impacts, and real-world applications.

The following course is required (3 credits):

  • ERS 542: Atmosphere, Ocean, Ice, and Climate Change (3 credits) Spring

Choose one of the following courses (3 credits):

  • ESC 556: Climate Change Education (3 credits) Spring (even years)
  • INT 500: Seminar in Quaternary Studies
    Topics: Communicating Climate Change Science (Class Number 61614) (3 credits)

Choose one of the following courses (3 credits):

  • ANT 530: Human Dimensions of Climate Change (3 credits) 
  • INT 500: Seminar in Quaternary Studies
    Topics: Climate Resilience (Class Number 61573) (3 credits)
  • INT 500: Seminar in Quaternary Studies
    Topics: Contemporary Issues in Global Biodiversity (Class Number 83872) (3 credits)

Admissions

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (3.0 preferred)
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 82 or IELTS score of 6.5 for international students

We have rolling admissions, meaning you can apply and be accepted anytime. The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all of your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current résumé or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 300-500 word essay highlighting your academic and personal goals related to climate change and/or science
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students)
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Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022-2032, which is expected to result in about 136,800 new jobs over the next ten years. The median annual wage was $78,280 in May 2023, higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations of $48,060.