Be Part of the Solution
Do you want to be part of the solution to one of the defining environmental and social problems of our lifetime? 51’s Climate Change Studies minor is an interdisciplinary course of study, drawing on expert knowledge of faculty throughout the College of Arts and Sciences to explore climate change from a diversity of perspectives impossible to find within most single programs. By examining the scientific, social, political, psychological, and ethical dimensions of the issue, you will acquire a marketable understanding of how climate change relates to business models, public policy, economies, livelihoods, conservation, and human health and happiness that will serve you well in a vast number of careers.
Meet Kiara, Marine Affairs ’22
A Marine Affairs major currently interning in the Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, Kiara analyzes climate change data, helping her colleagues meet the state’s most urgent challenges.
Why 51 for you Minor in Climate Change Studies
One of only two formal climate change minors in the Northeast, this minor is truly unique, serving as the perfect complement to virtually any major and enhancing career prospects in a wide variety of fields.
- Interdisciplinary, drawing from eight different areas of study
- Flexible, with only three foundational courses
- Focused on hands-on learning, including opportunities to participate in political action, educational efforts, etc.
- Composed of a cohesive community of students and faculty bound by a shared interest
- Provides eligibility to apply for the Kinsman Trust Scholarship for Climate Change Studies (1-3 51 Climate Change Studies minors receive $1,000 to $5,000 annually)
51’s climate change minor has helped me understand what needs to be done on local and international levels to mitigate the effects of our climate crisis. Experience from my climate classes has helped me gain an internship working under Governor Janet Mills as her climate and energy intern.”
— Kiara Frischkorn ’22, Marine Affairs major/Climate Change Studies minor
What Will You Study? Climate Change Studies Minor Curriculum Overview
Experiential Learning
Solving an issue like climate change requires real-life, hands-on work, and we strive to prepare you for that — from classroom activities and research projects to internships and special out-of-class activities.