Plymouth State Offers New Climate Studies Program

Plymouth State University (PSU) is an innovative, forward-looking institution, where students gain real-world experience working on matters that they care deeply about. Climate change represents one of the greatest issues to face humanity, and PSU’s new bachelor’s degree in climate studies is designed for students who are motivated to address it. This undergraduate degree program is the first of its kind in New Hampshire and one of only a few nationwide.

Climate change causes, effects, mitigation, adaptation, policy, communication, and education are some of today’s most pressing challenges, and the University is now accepting applications for the initial climate studies cohort of students to begin this fall. The program will help address the growing need for trained professionals, in both private industry and government jobs, to work on the various aspects of the climate crisis.

PSU’s climate studies program will prepare students for careers in fields such as emergency management, conservation, public policy, tourism, science journalism, planning, and other related fields.

Take an Active Role in One of Today’s Most Important Issues

“High school and college-age students are increasingly taking an active role in doing something about climate change and its effects, yet there are very few college programs available to them that focus on climate studies,” says PSU Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Ann McClellan. “Our new climate studies program allows students to go deeper into climate science, while offering them flexibility to explore specific areas of interest.”

Plymouth State University is distinguished by its innovative Integrated Clusters learning model, which features project-based learning. Students team up like innovative entrepreneurs with other disciplines and fellow students, faculty, alumni, and community/industry partners, then build upon their ideas through coursework and projects.

In 2017, the Wall Street Journal reported that PSU ranked first among public colleges and universities across the country for its ability to improve students’ critical thinking abilities. You’ll begin right away as a first-year student, developing skills that employers prize.

A Strong Foundation for an Expanding Field

The new climate studies program joins PSU’s nationally recognized meteorology program, offering students the benefit of state-of-the-art facilities and faculty expertise. Climate studies will allow you to explore a variety of related disciplines, topics, and skills, or pursue areas of specialization that match your interests, such as business or art.

“Climate study is a rapidly evolving and expanding field, and our program will give students a strong foundation of knowledge and skills,” says Professor of Meteorology and Climate Studies Program Coordinator Lourdes Avilés.

“PSU’s Integrated Clusters approach will help students learn to think critically and adapt and work collaboratively — all attributes that are essential for our fast-changing world.”

For more information on PSU’s new climate studies program, visit plymouth.edu/climate-studies, and be sure to check out this New Hampshire Public Radio story about it at https://tinyurl.com/y65m76rr.

An Environmentally Responsible Campus

The climate studies major is just the latest initiative of Plymouth State’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The University recently installed nearly an acre’s worth of advanced solar panels atop its Physical Education Center. Covering all available roof space, the solar photovoltaic (PV) array will offset more than 90 percent of the center’s annual electricity consumption.

PSU also recently added two electric vehicles (EV) chargers to campus. You are invited to top off your electric vehicle for free with the “no-charge” chargers when you visit!

PSU Sees Faces, Not Crowds

PSU looks closely at each applicant’s character, leadership qualities, initiative, and special talents, and sees you as a unique individual. At PSU, everyone wants to help you succeed. Academic Advising, Career Development, the Math Activities Center, Plymouth Academic Support Services (PASS), and the Writing Center are among the many services designed for you.

Work Hard, Play Hard

Plymouth is bordered by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire’s scenic Lakes Region — perfect for hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, or just relaxing. Think of the campus as a laboratory, a classroom, and a playground.

PSU is within 30 minutes of some of New England’s best skiing at four major areas. Club and intramural sports encourage everyone to play, and its Outdoor Center offers free use of recreational equipment and sponsors trips, so you can learn or practice skills like rock climbing, paddling, surfing, and skiing.

Contact Plymouth State University

There are many great majors to choose from at Plymouth State University, and you can design your own with the University’s interdisciplinary studies program. Take the first step toward your future by visiting plymouth.edu or contacting the Office of Admission at 800-842-6900 or admissions@plymouth.edu.