Climate Change & Society

Certificate in Climate Change and Society, and concentration in Climate Change and Society within the MLA Degree

Climate Change and Society 2012 info flyer

As of 18 January 2011, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has approved a new certificate program in Climate Change & Society to be offered within the MLA Program. The four courses for the certificate will be offered in rotation over four semesters.

The next cohort of for the Certificate in Climate Change and Society, or the concentration in Climate Change and Society within the MLA degree, will begin in Fall 2012.  Applications are due by April 1, 2012.

Fundamentals of Climate Change Science
To be offered Fall 2012
Foundational examination of how earth systems interact to cause regional and global climate change. Past climates will be studied to learn how feedbacks between the earth, atmosphere, biosphere and cryosphere drive natural climate change. Predictions of future climates will be presented by means of theory, modern observations and computer projections based on human activities.

Tools for Climate Change Information and Decision–Making
To be offered Spring 2013
Survey of climate observational datasets and the tools that are used to visualize and analyze them. Includes working with climate model output, using geographic information systems (GIS) for climate change decision-making and analyses of climate change impacts.

Decision Modeling and Statistics
To be offered Fall 2013
Analysis of data to represent facts, guide decisions and test opinions in managing systems and processes. Includes basic statistical inference including regression analysis, correlation, classification, filtering and smoothing. Special emphasis is placed on the analysis of climate data.

Communicating Science
To be offered Spring 2014
Explores methods to bridge the gap between scientific findings and their understanding by the general public. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical and practical approaches to developing successful communication campaigns, including the use of focus groups to determine the best course of action.