Climate Scientists

High School

In high school, take classes in environmental science, biology, earth science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, history, and computer science. English and speech courses will come in handy because climate scientists must write papers for environmental journals, prepare research reports, give presentations, and participate in interviews with reporters on the radio, television, and the web about climate change and related topics. Learning a foreign language will be useful because a large amount of climate research is being conducted internationally. It will be easier to collaborate with your foreign colleagues if you are fluent in their language and have a basic understanding of their culture.

Postsecondary Education

Climate science is an interdisciplinary field, so climate scientists have degrees in a wide range of majors, including climatology, environmental science, biology, ecology, chemistry, biochemistry, earth sciences, oceanography, marine science, geophysics, or even environmental engineering.

Those with just a bachelor’s degree in one of these aforementioned fields can work in basic researcher positions or as environmental or field technicians. Top researchers need a minimum of a master’s degree. Climate scientists who are interested in becoming managers often earn master’s degrees in science management or business management.

Certification

Louisiana State University, Ball State University, the University of Florida, and many other colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificates in climate science, meteorology and climate science, and related areas. To earn a certificate in meteorology and climatology at the University of Florida, students must complete the following classes:

• Advanced Biogeochemistry
• Biological and Agricultural Systems Simulation
• Climatology
• Earth System Analysis
• Ecohydrology
• Exploration and Directed Study (Planning for Climate Change)
• Global Climate Change: Past, Present and Future
• Global Sea Level Change
• Modeling Land Biogeochemistry
• Physical Oceanography
• Principles of Ecosystem Ecology
• Special Problems in Environmental Engineering
• Topics in Forest Resources and Conservation (Natural Resource Policy and Economics)
• Topics in Wildlife and Range Sciences (Climate Change Ecology)

Certificate programs are also provided by professional associations and online learning platforms (OLPs) such as edX, Coursera, and Udemy.

Other Education or Training

Webinars, in-person classes, conference sessions, and other educational offerings allow aspiring climate scientists to explore specialties in the field (such as atmospheric chemistry, oceanography, and geochemistry) and current scientists to build their scientific knowledge, improve their writing or presentation skills, or otherwise advance in their careers. These educational opportunities are offered by professional associations, postsecondary institutions, and OLPs. Associations that offer continuing education opportunities include the Air & Waste Management Association, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors, Ecological Society of America, Marine Chemist Association, Soil Science Society of America, and the Water Environment Federation. Contact these organizations for more information.