Take Action Against Climate Change

Become a leader who plans, implements, and manages effective, just, and equitable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in this 2-year, low-residency graduate program. You’ll complete both in-person summer residency intensives and online coursework focusing on project-based, collaborative learning and research.

You’ll examine the science and impacts of climate change; develop a thorough understanding of how climate data, society, policy, and governance influence decision making; and gain practical experience in leadership, management, and data science.

Our 1,100-acre mountain campus features innovations in farm, garden, forest, and managed land practices. This landscape will serve as your living laboratory to learn, experiment, and conduct research. You’ll make a real difference by completing two applied research projects with a nonprofit, business, community, or governmental agency partner.

We’ll welcome our first cohort of students for the inaugural 12-day Summer Residency in 2025. Over the course of the program, every student will join us for a total of three 12-day campus residencies and four online semesters, earning 42 credit hours.

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Explore Classes in This Program

MCS 501

Residency 1 Introduction to Applied Climate Studies

The first residency covers an introduction to climate studies, an introduction to climate data analysis and management, and an introduction to climate justice. The residency will also include important steps for the project team formation (for applied projects during the rest of the year), with an emphasis on project management, team skills, and collaboration.  You will engage in learning and practicing facilitation & leadership exercises that are best developed in-person. In addition, the residency will involve field work, demonstrations, and excursions to engage climate-related projects, practices, and plans.  The residency will include a multiple-day regional climate summit that you will attend, engage, and reflect upon.

MCS 531

Climate Justice, Economics, and Policy

In this course we study justice and equity as they relate to climate change. We examine how governance, policy, and economics have created inequitable climate change impacts on communities of color, immigrants, indigenous, and low-income earners. We analyze transnational case studies from the US and international perspectives that demonstrate the intersection of environmental hazards and climate change with migration, displacement, surveillance, and identity. We deepen our understanding of these issues and study examples of successful strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation that ensure equity & justice.  Policies and other approaches that can lead toward more justice are explored.

Still curious? See the Curriculum
Meet Our Faculty

I feel lucky to have arrived at a place where students are prepared to transform our systems, our communities, our organizations, and ourselves to build a better world. People care deeply about each other and the planet as we navigate the challenges of the climate crisis in this critical moment.

Keith McDade, Ph.D.
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Keith McDade, Ph.D.
Alisa Hove

Warren Wilson College provides seemingly endless opportunities to work in collaborative settings with students who take an active role in their own learning.

Alisa Hove, Ph.D.
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Alisa Hove
Alisa Hove, Ph.D.
David Abernathy

Warren Wilson students crave a challenge. I am continually amazed at the enthusiasm with which our students throw themselves into an endeavor, whether it be a physically exhausting service trip or an intellectually stimulating research question. Wilson students tend to say “bring it.”

David Abernathy, Ph.D.
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David Abernathy
David Abernathy, Ph.D.

I believe my responsibility is not only as an instructor but as a mentor and a resource for the future. My classes are not just an experience with a grade; they are an opportunity to build social capital.

Joshua Earl Arnold, Ph.D.
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Joshua Earl Arnold, Ph.D.

Teaching the open, inquisitive, and reflective students on the mountain-nestled campus of Warren Wilson is a joy like no other.

Todd May, Ph.D.
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Todd May, Ph.D.

Warren Wilson students are curious and engaging. I am inspired by their questions and enthusiasm during class discussions. I love to teach them and learn with them.

Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
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Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
As one of Indonesia’s “Traveling World Class Professors,” Warren Wilson College professor Siti Kusujiarti is building a collaborative research partnership with Jenderal Soedirman University faculty members.

Warren Wilson students are poised to learn and to expand their horizons.

Siti Kusujiarti, Ph.D.
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As one of Indonesia’s “Traveling World Class Professors,” Warren Wilson College professor Siti Kusujiarti is building a collaborative research partnership with Jenderal Soedirman University faculty members.
Siti Kusujiarti, Ph.D.
Amy Knisely

Teaching and learning at Warren Wilson is not for the faint of heart! And some days I wake up tired. But the strong-hearted, active-minded students and educators, busy together in this beautiful valley and beyond, send me home energized every day.

Amy L. Knisley, Ph.D.
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Amy Knisely
Amy L. Knisley, Ph.D.
Faculty Member Jack Ingelman stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.

The commitment by Warren Wilson staff and faculty to provide our students with meaningful, hands-on learning is unmatched in higher education. Our approach provides students an opportunity to explore, create, and think critically about the world and to become well-rounded thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators.

Jack Igelman, MS
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Faculty Member Jack Ingelman stands smiling outside of Orr Cottage.
Jack Igelman, MS
Dave Ellum

In today's world it is not enough to just know things, we need people who can also do things. Warren Wilson students take joy in accomplishing both — incredibly well.

Dave Ellum, Ph.D.
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Dave Ellum
Dave Ellum, Ph.D.

WWC Alumni

Warren Wilson Alum and Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network Jamie DeMarco takes a selfie in front of a wind turbine on the ocean.
Jamie DeMarco '14
Maryland Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Madison Sings '22
Campaign Field Director, Caleb Rudow for Congress and former Watershed Advocacy and Policy Manager at Asheville Greenworks
A headshot of alum Ruby Chorbajian.
Ruby Chorbajian '03
Head of Development at Climate Group in London, UK
A student drives a blue electric tractor.
Facilities

The Center for Working Lands

The Center for Working Lands has placed Warren Wilson at the forefront of academic and applied research in sustainable agriculture, regenerative land management, agrivoltaics and decarbonization. Our farm, forest, garden, and green spaces offer you the chance to explore and experiment with balancing ecological goals with economic and social benefits.

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