Climate Adaptation

The Graduate Certificate in Climate Adaptation is designed to give students an appropriate background in climate change science and its implications for society to support the development of informed policy and business decisions. The certificate combines climate change science with broad knowledge of climate-sensitive sectors to support the development of effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. This program supports the goals of students interested in careers in climate change adaptation and current professionals in climate-sensitive sectors who are concerned with the aspects of planning or setting policies affected by global climate change.

The program's 12 credit hours (four courses) may be completed online or in person. It provides a comprehensive graduate-level credential for students who want to maximize their flexibility. The certificate is the ideal choice for professionals who need a versatile option to further develop their knowledge of climate adaptation. Additionally, professionals who are located internationally can complete all of the coursework online from almost any location. Certificate students seeking further professional growth in the area of climate adaptation may, during the course of instruction, choose to apply for the on-campus Climate Change and Society master's degree.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the three following requirements:

• be a graduate of an accredited four-year college or university and have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study;
• have a master’s degree;
• be a degree student in good standing in an NC State University graduate program.

You may submit your graduate application for the Graduate Certificate in Climate Adaptation on the Graduate School website (opens in new tab). You can check the status (opens in new tab) of your application at any time. International students must include complete transcripts, a degree statement and TOEFL or IELTS scores. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Career Prospects

The job demand for climate adaptation experts is on the rise across multiple sectors. Concerns about climate change have contributed to growth in the following industries:

• Renewable energy
• Sustainable production and use of resources
• Environmental damage mitigation and repair
• Environmentally conscious city planning, infrastructure and development
• Sustainable manufacturing and transportation of goods
• Public policy

The Graduate Certificate in Climate Adaptation equips students to make meaningful contributions in business, agriculture, civil engineering, government, real estate and development. The coursework is innovative, professional, practical and designed to provide critical skills and knowledge expertise in climate science and adaptation.

Our alumni and current students include individuals from established entities such as The Weather Channel, engineering firms, and current NC State students enrolled in a variety of programs including education and policy.