Stony Brook University is introducing a new major in Climate Sciences through its School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). This program integrates atmospheric sciences with sustainability studies to address environmental changes. SoMAS Dean Paul Shepson emphasized the program's focus on climate change solutions, stating, "We are building a program about climate change, so we want to draw on intellectual content from everyone on campus. The solutions to climate change are about human decision-making."
The major will be available for students in the Undergraduate Bulletin starting Spring 2025. It combines scientific analysis with environmental justice perspectives to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of both the hard sciences and the socio-economic impacts of climate change.
Brian Colle, head of the Atmospheric Sciences Division at SoMAS, highlighted the program's role in preparing future leaders: “This major will help prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow that we need to address climate change.”
This initiative aligns with Stony Brook's recent efforts to expand academic programs related to climate careers. In April, the university was named an anchor institution of The New York Climate Exchange, aimed at accelerating climate solutions and careers.
Additional offerings include an accelerated BS/MPH in Climate Change and Human Health at Stony Brook Medicine and a Climate Solutions minor that examines intersections between climate change and various disciplines.
Shepson expressed his vision for interdisciplinary education: “The university should not operate like a mosaic of silos.” He added that his work is motivated by addressing climate change: “A passion of mine is helping universities reach their potential to be useful to society and create leaders for the future.”
The Climate Sciences major offers a focused approach compared to the more multidisciplinary Climate Solutions minor. The minor allows specialization in natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences and humanities.
Mark Lang from SoMAS noted the enthusiasm among students passionate about protecting the planet: “There’s an enthusiastic energy associated with those that love this planet and want to protect it.” He added that combining these courses fulfills student demands: “Putting [these courses] together is giving our students some of the things they’ve been wanting for years.”
— Benjamin William Stephens, J.D. Allen