Climate change impacts our world everywhere we look — global environmental and ecological systems, agricultural systems and food security, human health, water availability, migrations, and economic systems. In the face of extreme events such as flooding, heat waves, or widespread crop failures, communities and businesses urgently need professionals who can address these challenges and communicate about them.
As a Climate Science major at Iowa State, you’ll learn the fundamentals of climate science while specializing in an area that fits your interests and career goals by choosing from one of six pathways:
Advanced climate science
Data visualization
Design and planning for sustainability,
Climate, food, agriculture, and biodiversity
Policy and human behavior
Science communication
A degree in demand
Whether you advise companies on how to lower their carbon footprint, consult with cities on innovative climate action plans, or forecast climatological predictions for the financial and insurance industries, you can turn your passion into a profession and make a positive difference.
Employers in government, technology, business, national security, research, and many other fields are hiring for “green jobs” such as:
Climate risk specialist
Data analyst
Sustainability analyst
Scientist
Energy analyst
Climate coordinator
Carbon and climate program manager
You can also prepare for careers at National Laboratories, the National Weather Service, or the National Climatic Data Center, to name a few places.
With your skills, you’ll help develop more sustainable systems for societies and help communities build resilience and adapt to changes. Get to know the LAS career services team to help you explore the many career opportunities a degree in climate science can open for you.
A Cyclone in the making
A climate science class takes water hydrology readings and measurements at Emma McCarthy Lee Park in Ames.
At Iowa State, learning happens inside and outside the classroom.
Work with award-winning faculty and staff mentors who are on the cutting edge of climate science, including Nobel Prize winners. You can even make undergraduate research your campus job. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Dean’s High Impact Awards for Undergraduate Research support student researchers financially.
You will also connect with other amazing faculty across the university as you pursue your chosen pathway in the major.
Conduct climate research, lead a sustainability-focused student club, intern with the City of Ames or the Women, Food and Agricultural Network — your opportunities are endless at Iowa State.
