Climate Change Studies

Embark on a transformative journey through our interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curriculum, meticulously designed to tackle climate change head-on and empower future leaders, scientists, and policy makers in environmental stewardship.

Majoring in Climate Change Studies

The Climate Change Studies curriculum will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of climate change and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change in the world. Across the three tracks you will engage in the community and develop leadership skill as you study:

• Climate science fundamentals: Dive into the core concepts of climate science, including atmospheric dynamics, oceanography, and climatological processes, to understand the mechanisms driving climate change.
• Environmental policy analysis: Explore the complexities of environmental policies, governance structures, and regulatory frameworks, gaining insights into how policy decisions impact climate action and sustainability efforts.
• Sustainability ethics: Delve into the ethical considerations surrounding sustainability, examining issues of environmental justice, equity, and responsibility in addressing climate change impacts.
• Social justice in climate action: Investigate the intersection of social justice and climate change, analyzing disparities, vulnerabilities, community-led actions, and opportunities for inclusive and equitable climate solutions.
• Global climate governance: Study the mechanisms of global climate governance, including international agreements, cooperation frameworks, and diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing climate challenges on a global scale.

As a Climate Change Studies major you will choose from the following three tracks:

Climate Change and Natural Sciences (BS)

Dive into the scientific intricacies of climate change, exploring atmospheric dynamics, ecological impacts, and biodiversity conservation, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Climate Change Mechanisms and Dynamics
• Data Analysis and Monitoring
• Fieldwork and Lab Experiments

Climate Change and Policy (BA)

Delve into environmental governance, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement to drive effective climate action and sustainability, emphasizing collaborative leadership and impact assessment.

• Policy-making and Analysis
• Economic and Social Impacts
• Environmental Justice

Climate Change and Society (BA)

Investigate the societal dimensions of climate change, including social justice, cultural perspectives, and community resilience, while developing communication and advocacy skills for impactful change.

• Societal Impacts of Climate Change
• Cultural and Ethical Perspectives
• Communications, Community Engagement and Activism

Program Learning Goal #1: Comprehensive Understanding of Climate Change and Impacts

1. Compare major concepts, theoretical frameworks, and historical trends in climate studies.
2. Explain the distinctive physical characteristics of climate systems and regions in terms of atmospheric, oceanographic, climatological, and ecological processes.
3. Analyze and interpret the complex interconnections and impacts between human activities and climate systems at various geographical and temporal scales.
4. Evaluate the sustainability and resilience of human-environment systems in the context of climate change, addressing both historical and future perspectives.
5. Integrate knowledge of political action and systems, including the American Political System, political systems across history and world regions, and theoretical foundations of political systems and political values, into the analysis of climate change issues.

Program Learning Goal #2: Analytical Skills for Climate Change Research and Practice

1. Apply science and technology to analyze and visualize climate-related data.
2. Apply qualitative and/or quantitative analytical methods to study climate-related issues, encompassing laboratory, fieldwork, computational techniques, survey, and assessments.
3. Effectively communicate complex climate information through written reports, graphical representations, presentations, and mapping.
4. Employ critical thinking, systems thinking, and inter- and multidisciplinary approaches to address complex climate-related problems in research and practical applications, emphasizing inclusive and equitable solutions.
5. Apply information literacy skills to access and assess relevant climate research and data, while examining ethical considerations related to climate justice.

Program Learning Goal #3: Global Perspectives, Community Engagement, and Justice in Climate Change

1. Deconstruct evolving and interconnected global relationships concerning climate change, encompassing social, economic, political, and environmental dimensions, considering geographical contexts.
2. Utilize diverse perspectives from the natural, social sciences, and humanities, including political, moral, and geographic perspectives, to examine and address complex social and environmental issues related to climate change.
3. Engage in best practices for community involvement, including local, regional, and global initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, with a focus on geographic and intersectional contexts and social justice considerations.
4. Analyze climate change issues through a social justice and equity lens, addressing disparities and ethical considerations in climate policies and solutions.

The cost of tuition for the BA/BS in Psychology is different for in-state and out-of-state students. See the link for the current table of rates.

Residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states may qualify for reduced tuition rates. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program requires students to maintain current residency in WICHE state until degree completion.

Scholarships

Each year, CU Denver undergraduate students are awarded over $30 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state, and national sources. Learn more, and apply.

Other opportunities

Many departments and offices at CU Denver offer student employment (including work-study, student hourly positions) through LynxConnect. Learn more.

Admission Requirements

If you are an incoming freshman to CU Denver (in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants), you can apply through either the Common Application or the Milo Application. Transfer students will need to submit the Milo Application.

Incoming first-year students

CU Denver requires that students complete the Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR). You will not have to meet all Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) for admission, but you will need to complete CU Denver coursework by graduation.

Transfer Students

We have strong connections with other four-year and community colleges. If you have completed more than 24 hours of transferable coursework, you will be evaluated for admission on the basis of your college GPA without regard to your high school performance. If you have fewer than 24 hours, you will be evaluated based on both your high school and college GPAs. For more information and to plan your transfer, consult transfer admissions in the admissions office.

Bridge to Bachelors

If you are in your first or second semester at one of the participating Colorado community colleges and plan to transfer to CU Denver after earning your associate degree, CU Denver's Admission Promise might be a great program for you. To qualify, you must meet the criteria including meeting regularly with your assigned CU academic advisor while you are attending community college. Consult the promise page for details and the link to the eligibility questionnaire.

International Students

You will need to begin your application through the Office of International Affairs. They will help you manage your application process.

Apply to CU Denver

Spring

• Domestic Application: January 1
• International Applications: Priority is September 15, and Final is October 15

Summer

• Domestic Applications: May 15
• International Applications: Priority is January 15, and Final is March 15

Fall

• Domestic Applications: August 1
• International Applications: Priority is March 15, and Final is May 15