City University of New York

What you'll study

This Bachelor of Science combines core physical science and quantitative training with applied modules addressing climate processes, impacts and responses. You will study the fundamentals of atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, radiative transfer and thermodynamics, together with courses in climatology and Earth system science. Practical and applied learning features strongly: expect modules in climate modelling, numerical methods and data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing, along with laboratory work and field-based observation methods.

Typical topics and modules include:

• Introductory Climate Science: structure of the atmosphere, energy balance and drivers of climate variability.
• Atmospheric and Ocean Dynamics: fluid dynamics relevant to weather and ocean circulation.
• Climate Modelling and Numerical Methods: building and evaluating simple models and interpreting model output.
• Statistics for Environmental Data: statistical techniques for trend detection, time-series analysis and uncertainty quantification.
• Remote Sensing and GIS: using satellite data, spatial analysis and mapping for climate applications.
• Earth System Processes: carbon, water and biogeochemical cycles and their role in climate change.
• Climate Impacts and Adaptation: vulnerability assessment, adaptation strategies and risk management.
• Policy and Socioeconomic Dimensions: climate policy, emissions mitigation, and links between science and decision-making.
• Capstone/Research Project: an independent research or applied project that integrates quantitative analysis with real-world climate questions.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school certificate or equivalent. Successful applicants typically show strong achievement in mathematics and at least one science (physics, chemistry or Earth science). Admissions are competitive and emphasise a solid quantitative background—courses such as calculus, physics and statistics are particularly relevant.

Typical expectations and preparations include:

• A high-school diploma or equivalent.
• Good grades in mathematics and science courses; prior study of calculus and physics is advantageous.
• Evidence of quantitative skills—this may be demonstrated through coursework, standardized tests where applicable, or prior college-level study.
• Some campuses or pathways may interview applicants or request a personal statement outlining interest in climate science and relevant experience (e.g. fieldwork, coding, data projects, extracurricular activities).

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a combination of scientific understanding, quantitative competence and practical skills valued across public, private and non-profit sectors. Career paths commonly pursued include climate scientist or researcher (often via postgraduate study), environmental consultant, GIS or remote-sensing analyst, data scientist specialising in environmental datasets, sustainability or resilience officer for municipal agencies and utilities, and policy analyst or advisor for government and NGOs. Graduates are also well placed to progress to taught or research master's degrees in climate science, atmospheric science, environmental management or related fields.

Why study at City University of New York

City University of New York offers a degree grounded in an urban and applied context, with access to real-world climate challenges and agencies in New York City. The university system provides an interdisciplinary environment where you can draw on expertise across colleges and research units, and benefit from partnerships with local government, research institutes and non-profit organisations for internships and collaborative projects.

Studying at CUNY gives students opportunities for fieldwork and data-driven projects using local monitoring networks and urban case studies, an emphasis on employable quantitative skills, and a diverse student community. The programme is suited to those who want science-led training coupled with practical experience relevant to contemporary climate challenges and careers.