• First-of-its-kind degree: Columbia Climate School and Columbia Business School launch the first U.S. master’s in climate finance, starting Fall 2025.
• Bridging finance and climate science: The one-year program equips professionals with financial tools to address climate risks and opportunities.
• Growing industry demand: Public and private sectors seek experts who understand climate risk, mitigation, and investment strategies.

Columbia Climate School is launching the first Master of Science in Climate Finance in the U.S., in collaboration with Columbia Business School. This one-year interdisciplinary degree aims to equip professionals with the expertise to navigate financial decision-making amid the climate crisis.

“The world needs problem-solvers to address the global climate crisis,“ said Alexis Abramson, dean of the Columbia Climate School. “Bringing together climate and finance is pivotal to finding solutions.”

Program Focus:

• Climate science, risk assessment, mitigation, and adaptation strategies
• Capital markets, energy and infrastructure financing
• International climate finance and investment opportunities

Related Article: Columbia Business School Launches Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change with Major Donation

“Climate change will impact every sector,” said Costis Maglaras, dean of Columbia Business School. “Only by merging climate science and finance can we address these challenges.”

Meeting Market Demand

The program responds to the growing need for climate finance professionals in business, finance, development institutions, and policymaking.

“There is a real demand for practitioners who understand climate variability, risk, and investment opportunities,” said Lisa Sachs, director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment.

Graduates will be positioned for roles in financial institutions, government agencies, development banks, global finance initiatives, and private sector sustainability teams.

Scholarships & Global Reach

Columbia will offer Stanley Park Climate Finance scholarships to support students, particularly those from emerging and developing economies aiming to work in the public and nonprofit sectors.

“This degree draws on world-class faculty and leading experts from two extraordinary schools,” said Sachs. “Understanding finance’s role in climate action is critical to driving real change.”

With New York City—global finance hub and home of the UN—as its base, students will engage directly with top practitioners in finance, industry, and policymaking.

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