Apply for the Fully Funded 2026 Master of Science (MS) in Climate Finance at Columbia University

The Master of Science in Climate Finance is a one-year, 39-credit professional degree offered by the Columbia Climate School in collaboration with the Columbia Business School.

This interdisciplinary program integrates advanced climate science with core financial management principles to equip graduates with the analytical and strategic skills required to navigate the financial dimensions of climate change.

Program Features

Students engage in a curriculum that merges scientific understanding of climate systems with frameworks for adaptation and mitigation, capital market dynamics and corporate financial strategy. The program emphasizes the application of finance to climate-related risks, policy responses and technological transitions.

Courses span climate science, environmental economics, capital markets, corporate finance, sustainable investing, energy and infrastructure finance, and regulatory and legal frameworks governing climate disclosure and climate-related financial governance.

Study Environment

The program is based in New York City, providing access to the world’s leading financial institutions, climate finance experts and industry practitioners. Students benefit from regular engagement with professionals across finance, consulting, insurance, multinational organizations and climate-focused institutions. This environment encourages students to apply concepts through real-world case studies, project-based learning and exposure to active climate finance markets.

Market Relevance

The MS in Climate Finance responds to increasing demand across global financial sectors for expertise in evaluating climate risk, structuring climate-aligned investments and identifying opportunities in low-carbon transitions.

Employers across banking, asset management, consulting and insurance seek professionals who can integrate climate models and projections into financial decision-making.

Public sector institutions, intergovernmental organizations and multilateral development banks are similarly mobilizing substantial capital for climate mitigation and adaptation and require technically trained professionals who can evaluate complex climate-finance strategies and develop viable investment pathways.

Program Leadership

The program is led by a dedicated Program Director with expertise spanning climate science, environmental policy and financial systems. Under this leadership, students are guided in applying interdisciplinary insights to emerging challenges in climate finance and in developing professional competencies relevant across the financial landscape.

Curriculum Overview

Students complete 39 credits over a full academic year, structured around a cohesive blend of required and elective coursework. The curriculum typically includes:

• Foundational climate science and climate modelling
• Climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Corporate finance and capital markets
• Sustainable investing and asset management
• Energy and infrastructure financing
• Environmental policy, regulation and climate-related financial disclosure
• Legal and governance frameworks for climate finance

Professional Pathways

Graduates of the MS in Climate Finance program are prepared for diverse career trajectories, including:

• Climate risk assessment roles in financial institutions
• Sustainable finance and ESG advisory positions
• Portfolio and asset management with climate-aligned investment strategies
• Roles in insurance focused on climate-related risk modelling
• Consulting positions in climate strategy, energy transition and sustainable development
• Positions within multilateral development banks, UN agencies or public financial institutions mobilizing climate finance
• Climate policy and regulatory analysis across the public and private sectors

Curriculum at a Glance

The program’s structure provides progressive immersion in climate science foundations, quantitative and financial analysis and applied climate finance practice. Students gain experience through hands-on projects, case-based learning and collaboration with leading practitioners, enabling them to graduate with both domain expertise and real-world application skills.

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