Residency 1:Intro to Applied Climate Studies (MCS 5010 F01, FS 25-26)

The 12-day residency (8 credits) includes lectures, seminars, discussions, workshops, research group meetings, field trips, and mentoring sessions. The schedule will typically run from 9:00am to 9:00pm each day of the twelve-day residency, and allows for approximately 2 hours for unstructured time and transitions during the day. The first residency covers an introduction to climate studies, an introduction to climate data analysis and management, and an introduction to climate justice. The residency will also include important steps for the project team formation (for applied projects during the rest of the year), with an emphasis on project management, team skills, and collaboration. Students will engage in learning and practicing facilitation & leadership exercises that are best developed in-person. In addition, the residency will involve field work, demonstrations, and excursions to engage climate-related projects, practices, and plans. The residency will include a multiple-day regional climate summit that students will attend, engage, and reflect upon. Overall, the first residency sets the stage for the rest of the program. This set of experiences will include evaluations across multiple dimensions. Students are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Professional Skills Module 1 (MCS 5610 F00, FS 25-26)

The skills module courses occur on-line in either a synchronous or asynchronous format depending upon the topic or skill being introduced. Career-focused in orientation, these modules help students develop tangible skills and competencies for work in climate and environment related fields. Skill modules will vary depending on the projects students will be working on, and may include: project management, consulting, collaboration, conflict management, science communication, self-care, leadership, decision-support, habits of reflection; humility; presentation skills, and more. Students are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Applied Research Project #1 (MCS 5510 F00, FS 25-26)

In this course, students will work in project teams to complete an introductory study and analysis of a defined problem or issue in partnership with an organization, company, or community partner. Faculty/community mentors are assigned to each project team and will guide the students through a project-based learning structure and curriculum leading to an on-line presentation at the end of winter term and a final research deliverable and presentation to the client/partner during the next summer residency. Students are evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

The Science of Climate Systems (MCS 5110 F00, FS 25-26)

This course provides a rigorous, systems-based introduction to the physical science of climate change, designed as the scientific core of the Master’s in Applied Climate Studies program. We examine the fundamental mechanisms that drive Earth’s climate, from energy balance and greenhouse gases to feedbacks, carbon cycling, and planetary boundaries. Students will develop the ability to interpret climate data, evaluate projections, and understand uncertainty, while connecting global processes to regional and local impacts. The course integrates in-person residency sessions with online modules to build both scientific fluency and science communication skill. By the end, students will be able to explain key climate concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences, evaluate claims using evidence, and engage critically with decision-making tools that shape climate policy.