The Climate Science Option centers around the physical science of climate and climate change, with a smaller number of courses studying the intersection of climate with biological, social, political, and economic systems. The program is interdisciplinary, with coursework spanning atmospheric science, oceanography, geology, and geography. Students gain hands-on experience through a field course to multiple sites in Oregon, as well as independent research or an internship. A focus of the program is on transferrable skills, such as programming, data analysis and visualization, and written and oral communication, which are integrated in courses throughout the curriculum. Electives allow students to pursue additional coursework to prepare them in their specific career interests. Graduates of the program will be prepared for positions in state and local governments, utilities, consulting firms, non-profits, and private industry, as well as further study in graduate school. The need for climate scientists is expected to increase as governments and businesses incorporate more specialized climate planning related to mitigation and adaptation solutions.