Climate Change Studies: Integrating Science, Society, and Solutions

The University of Montana's Climate Change Studies Program offers one of the nation's first undergraduate degree programs devoted to the challenges and opportunities presented by global climate change. The minor in Climate Change Studies combines rigorous training in sciences with coursework in ethics and policy to offer students a unique, multidisciplinary understanding of climate change. This interdisciplinary minor will prepare students to understand the science and policy associated with climate change, and involve them in developing potential solutions.

“The climate change topic is rapidly evolving from only an earth science issue to a technological, economic and sociological issue. We have designed a broad interdisciplinary curriculum to reflect this expanding focus.” –Dr. Steve Running, Climate Change Studies Program Director, and a lead author on the Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The minor in Climate Change Studies is open to students from all majors beginning fall 2009. The minor requires students take 21.0 credits: a 3.0 credit interdisciplinary introductory course, and 6.0 credits in each of the following areas: climate change science, climate change and society, and climate change solutions. Class on Lake McDonald - Glacier National Park

See listing for Spring 2010 Climate Change Studies courses.

See listing of Spring 2010 Climate Change Internship Opportunities. Funding available for student internships and research projects related to public service and leadership. Grants between $500 - $2,500 (up to $20,000 available). Applications much demonstrate connection to public policy in the US. Due December 1. Read more…

See the full Climate Change Studies Curriculum.

The Climate Change Studies Program is a joint program with The College of Forestry and Conservation, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Technology that draws on the expertise of faculty across the University. At the request of Provost Royce Engstrom, 29 faculty members from 18 departments developed this minor under the leadership of Dr. Steve Running (Regent’s Professor of Ecology and Director, Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group) and Dr. Dane Scott (Director, Center for Ethics and Associate Professor, Department of Society and Conservation).

For more information, contact: Nicky Phear, Program Coordinator, nicky.phear@umontana.edu, 406-243-6932.