Best colleges for Climate Science
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 7 U.S. colleges offering Climate Science by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 6 states.
About Climate Science programs
The Climate Science program focuses on the interdisciplinary study of climate systems, integrating knowledge from various fields such as mathematics, physics, and geography. This program is designed for students interested in understanding climate change, its impacts, and the science behind weather phenomena. Students will engage in both theoretical and practical applications of climate science.
In this program, students will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and data interpretation. Coursework typically includes training in mathematical modeling, meteorological research, and the use of computer models to analyze climate data and predict weather patterns.
Top 7 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
Specializations within Climate Science
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 30.35 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 6 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2021, Atmospheric and Space Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Climate Science program can pursue careers in meteorology, environmental research, and climate consulting. The job outlook indicates a growth rate of 0.7% with approximately 700 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $97,450, and a typical educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Climate Science
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.35.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.35 (Climate Science) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-2021 | Atmospheric and Space Scientistsprimary |
| 19-3092 | Geographers |
| 25-1051 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Climate Science programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Common questions
What is Climate Science?+
Climate Science is the study of climate systems and the factors influencing climate change, combining various scientific disciplines.
What skills will I gain?+
You will gain skills in data interpretation, mathematical modeling, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Possible careers include meteorologist, climate researcher, and environmental consultant.
What is the job outlook for Climate Science graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with a median wage of $97,450 and approximately 700 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Climate Science?+
Climate Science maps to CIP 30.35 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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