Climate Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Climate Science is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the complex processes that govern Earth’s climate system. By examining the dynamic interplay between the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, ice sheets, and living ecosystems, this program equips students with the analytical and scientific tools needed to address pressing global environmental challenges.
- Biology and Ecology: Explores how living organisms interact with climate systems, including ecosystem responses to environmental change and biodiversity dynamics under shifting climate conditions.
- Chemistry and Marine Chemistry: Investigates chemical processes in atmospheric and oceanic environments, including greenhouse gas cycles, nutrient dynamics, and the impact of pollutants on climate-relevant systems.
- Meteorology and Atmospheric Science: Focuses on the physics and dynamics of weather and climate in the atmosphere, including air circulation, cloud formation, and extreme weather patterns.
- Oceanography: Studies oceanic processes such as currents, heat distribution, and carbon sequestration, which play a critical role in regulating global climate.
- Climate Analysis and Modeling: Develops skills in interpreting climate data, using computational models to simulate past, present, and future climate scenarios, and assessing uncertainty in projections.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Addresses strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience in human and natural systems facing climate disruptions.
- Climate Policy and Environmental Impacts: Examines the development and implementation of policies to manage climate risks, evaluate environmental consequences, and support sustainable development.
- Energy Development and Sustainability: Analyzes the role of energy systems in climate change, including renewable technologies, fossil fuel impacts, and pathways toward low-carbon energy futures.
Climate Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Climate Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Climate Science degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Atmospheric and Space Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 122,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1051 | $101,390 | $53,310 - $199,260 | 11,480 | N/A |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists 19-2021 | $97,450 | $49,990 - $160,710 | 8,780 | $46.85 |
| Geographers 19-3092 | $97,200 | $62,390 - $133,680 | 1,380 | $46.73 |
Climate Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $84,190 in Florida to $160,570 in Massachusetts—a 91% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 122,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Climate Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Climate Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Climate Science is found at Columbia University in the City of New York (76 graduates), Northern Arizona University (NAU) (14 graduates), Plymouth State University (PSU) (3 graduates), Northland College (3 graduates), and University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 100 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
76 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
|
14 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Plymouth State University (PSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Plymouth, New Hampshire | Public | plymouth.edu |
| Northland College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Ashland, Wisconsin | Private | northland.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Post-Master's
|
2 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Unity Environmental University |
Master's
|
1 | New Gloucester, Maine | Private | unity.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Climate Science programs
How much can I earn with a Climate Science degree?
Salaries for Climate Science graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $101,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $160,570 compared to $84,190 in Florida. Approximately 122,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Climate Science programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Climate Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia University in the City of New York (76 graduates), Northern Arizona University (NAU) (14 graduates), and Plymouth State University (PSU) (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Climate Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Atmospheric and Space Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 122,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Interdisciplinary Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Interdisciplinary field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Classical and Ancient Studies
Any program in classical and ancient studies not listed above.
Intercultural and Diversity Studies
A program that focuses on the dynamic social relations between and among majority and minority groups and different minority groups, and ways to...
Cognitive Science
A program that focuses on the study of the mind and the nature of intelligence from the interdisciplinary perspectives of computer science, philosophy,...
Contemplative Studies
A program that focuses on the philosophical, psychological, and scientific bases of human contemplative experience. Includes instruction in cognitive science, meditation, mindfulness, neuroscience,...
Cultural Studies and Critical Theory
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the analysis and critique of culture in its varied forms, including values, ideas, belief systems, and expressive...
Human Biology
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on understanding the human being from the biological, social science, and humanities perspectives and that addresses contemporary issues...