MSU launches new Climate Change Studies Minor to prepare students for a changing world
August 13, 2025
Michigan State University has launched a new minor in Climate Change Studies, designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and address one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Administered by the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, the interdisciplinary minor offers a broad exploration of the causes and consequences of climate change. Coursework covers critical topics such as rising global temperatures, sea-level rise, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including floods and droughts.
Beyond the science, the program emphasizes the wide-reaching societal impacts of climate change, spanning water and energy systems, transportation, wildlife, agriculture, ecosystems, human migration, public health, and more.
“Since climate change impacts almost every aspect of our lives, the Climate Studies minor is designed to complement any major at Michigan State University,” said Ryan Shadbolt, Senior Academic Specialist with the Department. “The goal is to help students from all majors critically engage with the question: How can society effectively transition toward a more resilient and sustainable future?”
Open to undergraduates across all disciplines, the Climate Change Studies minor provides students with a comprehensive foundation for a wide variety of careers. “Whether a student is majoring in environmental science, engineering, business, public policy, agriculture, communications, health, or beyond, this minor provides valuable context and tools to help them understand how climate change intersects with their field,” explained Ashton Shortridge, professor of Geography and Department Chair. “And given our strong interdisciplinary focus, globally recognized faculty, and expertise in the spatial dimensions of environmental change, the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at MSU is uniquely positioned to lead the Climate Change Studies minor.”
For more information, including course requirements and how to enroll, visit geo.msu.edu.