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CU ��ý�� ranks among world's top institutions for climate science research

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:06:23 +0000

CU ��ý�� ranks among world's top institutions for climate science research Megan M Rogers Tue, 06/30/2026 - 11:06

CU ��ý�� has been named one of the world's leading institutions for climate science, ranking eighth globally in the latest analysis of the most highly cited climate research institutions by Carbon Brief.

The ranking places CU ��ý�� among the world's most influential organizations advancing climate science and highlights the university's decades-long leadership in environmental research. It also makes CU ��ý�� the highest-ranked university in Colorado and one of just 13 U.S. institutions to place in the global top 20.

Carbon Brief's analysis examined more than 40,000 institutions worldwide using its Cosmos database of climate-related research. Rankings were determined by summing the number of citations received by each institution's climate-related research papers, a widely used measure of scientific influence and impact.

CU ��ý�� ranked alongside many of the world's most prominent research organizations and universities, including the French National Centre for Scientific Research, the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, the University of Washington, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Columbia University.

The ranking also underscores CU ��ý��'s long-standing strength in climate research through its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In 1967, the university and NOAA established the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), a world-renowned institute dedicated to understanding the dynamic Earth system and addressing pressing environmental challenges.

CIRES was also recognized in Carbon Brief's analysis, ranking No. 43 globally among climate research institutions. The institute is home to major research centers, including the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), which provides critical data and research on Earth's polar regions.

Carbon Brief noted that while CU ��ý�� and the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research are separate institutions, they have collaborated closely on climate research over many years.

The analysis reflects the global reach and impact of CU ��ý��'s climate research, with publications produced by university researchers informing scientific understanding of Earth's atmosphere, oceans, ice, ecosystems and changing climate.

Carbon Brief's Cosmos database tracks climate-related publications and citations from universities, government agencies, research laboratories and policy institutes around the world. Its institutional rankings are based on publication citations, providing a measure of how frequently research is referenced by other scientists and the influence it has on advancing the field.

Overall, the analysis found that U.S. institutions remain a cornerstone of global climate science. Of the 500 institutions included in the Cosmos rankings, 183 are based in the United States, including 13 of the top 20.

CU ��ý�� has been ranked eighth globally in the latest analysis of the most highly cited climate research institutions by Carbon Brief.

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Sustainability-focused capstones leave impact on ��ý�� and beyond

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:59:52 +0000

Sustainability-focused capstones leave impact on ��ý�� and beyond Megan M Rogers Wed, 06/24/2026 - 13:59

Cass Mendoza

For more than a decade, CU ��ý��’s Masters of the Environment (MENV) program has connected graduate students with sustainability projects that local communities often lack the time, capacity or resources to tackle on their own. Last year, MENV students left their mark on ��ý��’s schools, landscapes, food systems and entertainment scene.

Implementing a decarbonization plan for ��ý�� Valley School District

In 2024, MENV students Ryan Brown, Andrew Neely and Sarah Nick worked with ��ý�� Valley School District (BVSD) to create their first district-wide decarbonization plan, which would result in the entire district’s electrification and decarbonization by 2050.

All three students, who were specializing in urban resilience and sustainability, added a secondary specialization in renewable and sustainable energy to benefit their understanding and experience in this role. The team's dedication and hard work did not go unappreciated by their BVSD partner, Sustainability and Energy Officer Ghita Carroll:

“It has been so exciting to see the many MENV graduates filter into sustainability roles across this community. Their real-world experience plus knowledge base brings a level of expertise that makes them stand out among other candidates. At BVSD, we were thrilled to work with a team of outstanding MENV students to create our first decarbonization plan.

“When the opportunity arose with an open position, we were thrilled once again to select an MENV graduate, Sarah Nick, to fill that role. She has been an outstanding addition to our team. We both enjoy crossing paths with other MENV graduate students in our day-to-day work.”

Since entering the role of sustainability and energy analyst, Nick has been able to embed the decarbonization plan she created with her team into BVSD's full climate action plan.

Assessing the local market for regionally native plants

Throughout 2025, students Erin Bucchin, Ilanna Gipple and Jesse Stahl worked directly with landscape designers, installers and industry experts to assess the viability of a wholesale market for regionally native plants in ��ý�� County. They found demand remains limited, in part because current restrictions on non-functional turf do not apply to residential properties, giving many homeowners little incentive to replace traditional lawns with native landscaping.

The students describe their work as part of a broader movement toward more water-conscious landscaping. With many of the landscape designers, installers and suppliers feeling similarly, students believe their report has the potential to organize a coalition or network to share resources.

Bucchin and Stahl presented their findings at the Landscaping with Colorado Native Plants Conference in February 2026, continuing to promote their hard work and expand its reach.

Connecting the community to local foods

MENV students specializing in sustainable food systems, Sam Cochrane and Alexandra Rodriguez , have been working with the ��ý�� County Farmers Markets (BCFM) to help strengthen their food hub.

BCFM’s food hub sells fresh produce, meats and provisions that originate in the county at prices set directly by farmers. It connects ranchers and producers to shoppers and institutions. The student team met with many institutions around the county, including schools, hospitals and assisted living facilities to help them connect to local foods.

Rodriguez and Cochrane also built a vendor resource guide to help educate farmers market vendors on the food hub and an institutional partner development toolkit to educate institutions on the importance of sourcing locally.

Much was achieved in this 2025 capstone project, but the students believe there is still room for growth—hinting that a future partnership with MENV could further elevate BCFM’s food hub.

Advancing sustainability at ��ý��’s historic theaters

Nick Cordova, Haylee Grace, Mikey Jacobs and Lydia McElderry's 2025 capstone project provided a holistic perspective on sustainability for ��ý�� Theater and Fox Theater, historic sites managed by Z2 Entertainment.

The team completed one water audit, three waste audits and a greenhouse gas inventory at the theaters. They also surveyed more than 250 theatergoers about sustainability initiatives they would like to see at the venues.

By the end of their project, the student team had developed a five-year sustainability action plan for Z2 Entertainment and helped secure a grant for a heat pump to improve energy efficiency. They also created a toolkit for other venues interested in integrating more sustainability into their practices.

About MENV

The Masters of the Environment program is a two-year professional master's program. With specializations available in environmental and natural resource policy, sustainable food systems, sustainability in the outdoor industry, renewable and sustainable energy, and urban resilience and sustainability, the program offers a holistic approach to studying sustainability and the environment.

Between their first and second year, MENV students are partnered with professional organizations to tackle sustainability-focused capstone projects. The impact of past projects is still visible around ��ý��, across Colorado and even around the world—evidence of what another decade of MENV students can accomplish as they help communities tackle complex sustainability challenges.

For more than a decade, CU ��ý��'s Masters of the Environment program has connected graduate students with sustainability projects that local communities often lack the time, capacity or resources to tackle on their own.

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There's still time to enroll in Summer Session

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:10:23 +0000

There's still time to enroll in Summer Session Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/24/2026 - 12:10

Choose from hundreds of courses and earn the credit you need. Summer Session is a great way to get into popular classes, focus on one class, find flexible options and more.

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How CU ��ý�� built a biomedical engineering powerhouse

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:53:53 +0000

How CU ��ý�� built a biomedical engineering powerhouse Megan M Rogers Mon, 04/13/2026 - 12:53

When the first biomedical engineering class graduated from CU ��ý�� in 2023, about a dozen students walked across the stage. Today, that once-small start has evolved into a powerful engine for biomedical innovation and education. But how does a program go from modest beginnings to powerhouse in such a short time?

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Bring the next Buffs One Read into your classroom

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:48:17 +0000

Bring the next Buffs One Read into your classroom Megan M Rogers Fri, 04/10/2026 - 07:48

The next Buffs One Read selection, "Lessons from My Teachers" by Sarah Ruhl, celebrates the importance of human connection through powerful examples of teaching and learning across every stage of life. Faculty can easily integrate the book into their courses with ready-to-use Canvas resources.

The 2026–27 Buffs One Read selection, "Lessons from My Teachers," celebrates the importance of human connection through powerful examples of teaching and learning across every stage of life. Faculty can get ready-to-use Canvas resources.

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CU Athletics honors student athletes' academic success

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:59:23 +0000

CU Athletics honors student athletes' academic success Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/09/2026 - 12:59

The University of Colorado Department of Athletics celebrated another banner year for student athletes, who excelled and set records in the classroom.

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From ��ý�� to the world: Buffs ranked No. 2 in Peace Corps volunteers

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:42:56 +0000

From ��ý�� to the world: Buffs ranked No. 2 in Peace Corps volunteers Megan M Rogers Tue, 04/07/2026 - 12:42

For the second straight year, CU ��ý�� is ranked No. 2 in the nation for graduates serving as Peace Corps volunteers, with 53 alumni serving around the world, according to the recently released Peace Corps 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list.

Forever Buffs are currently serving in 32 countries around the world, including Albania/Montenegro, Belize, Cambodia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Eastern Caribbean, Ecuador, Eswatini, Fiji, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, North Macedonia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.

“CU ��ý�� students continue to step up when it comes to community service and giving their time to promote world peace and friendship around the world in the Peace Corps. I'm excited that we rank No. 2 for large universities once again,” said Pamela Civins, CU ��ý��’s campus Peace Corps recruiter. “As the strategic recruiter for the Peace Corps on CU ��ý��'s campus, I am working to build a pipeline of future volunteers. My goal is to get CU ��ý�� the No. 1 ranking for recruitment in future years.

CU ��ý�� has a long history of turning out civically engaged graduates, having ranked No. 1 for Peace Corps volunteers twice—in 2011 and 2012—and No. 5 all time, with 2,653 volunteers since the Peace Corps’ founding in 1961.

“Student interest exists, and we want to be sure CU ��ý�� graduates have the opportunity to serve, make a difference in the communities where they live, and grow into leadership roles in whatever profession they choose,” Civins said.

Peace Corps Prep

CU ��ý�� is one of 152 schools across the country that offers Peace Corps Prep, a partnership program dedicated to preparing undergraduates for service abroad.

Housed within the CU ��ý�� Center for Leadership, the undergraduate certificate program integrates coursework with hands-on experience and professional development. As an official Peace Corps Prep program, earning the certificate is excellent preparation, and a likely advantage, for future Peace Corps volunteer applicants.

Launched in fall 2018, the program is open to all CU ��ý�� undergraduates, regardless of their major, minor, department, academic year or participation in other programs.

Getting involved at CU ��ý��

CU ��ý�� has a part-time Peace Corps strategic campus recruiter during the academic year. Stop by UMC, Room 122, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. during the school year to learn more, or reach out at peacecorps@colorado.edu.

About the Peace Corps

President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, and more than 240,000 Americans have served in 144 countries worldwide. Peace Corps volunteers work alongside community members across the globe on projects in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development and youth development.

By the numbers

2026 Top Large Colleges and Universities

University of Wisconsin-Madison (63)
��ý�� (53)
University of Florida (44)
The University of Texas at Austin (42)
Virginia Tech (40)

*Total volunteers more than 15,000 undergraduates

Historical, Since 1961

University of California, Berkeley (3,807)
University of Wisconsin-Madison (3,466)
University of Washington (3,175)
University of Michigan (2,851)
��ý�� (2,653)

*Total volunteers, all categories

Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2025 data, as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers.

To better reflect the combined contributions of volunteers who serve traditional 27-month assignments and Peace Corps Response volunteers who serve for six to 12 months, the Peace Corps counted alumni volunteers who served at any point during the 2025 fiscal year for the 2026 rankings. Previously, colleges and universities were ranked on a one-day annual headcount of volunteers on the last day of the fiscal year (Sept. 30).

For the second straight year, CU ��ý�� is ranked No. 2 in the nation for graduates serving as Peace Corps volunteers, according to the Peace Corps 2026 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list.

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CU ��ý�� graduate programs ranked among nation's best by US News

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:32:48 +0000

CU ��ý�� graduate programs ranked among nation's best by US News Megan M Rogers Tue, 04/07/2026 - 07:32

Two CU ��ý�� graduate level programs are among the top 10 of their kind in the nation, environmental law (No. 7) and aerospace engineering (No. 8), while numerous others landed in the top 25, according to the U.S. News and World Report rankings, released today.

“The graduate programs at CU ��ý�� continue to rank among the top institutions nationally. That’s thanks in no small part to the exemplary research, mentoring and support that our faculty and staff provide to our students and the departments,” said Scott Adler, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate affairs. “We are very appreciative of all that they do to ensure that our graduate students not just succeed but thrive.”

New this year, U.S. News and World Report included MBA specialty rankings including executive programs, accounting, business analytics, finance, marketing, real estate and supply chain management.

Rankings breakdown

CU ��ý��’s graduate offerings in the following areas rank in the teens nationally: environmental or environmental health engineering (11); Earth sciences (11); audiology (12); physics (13); education policy (16); real estate (16); chemical engineering (18); engineering, overall (18) and clinical psychology (19).

Several other CU ��ý�� departments and programs are ranked in the top 25 nationally for graduate level offerings in the categories of: speech-language pathology (22); education curriculum and instruction (24); part-time MBA (24); civil engineering (24) and marketing (25).

A full list of CU ��ý�� graduate rankings is available on the U.S. News website (U.S. News College Compass subscription required for full access).

By the numbers

7 Environmental law
8 Aerospace engineering
11 Environmental or environmental health engineering
11 Earth sciences
12 Audiology
13 Physics
16 Education policy
16 Real estate
18 Engineering (overall)
19 Clinical psychology
22 Speech-language pathology
24 Education curriculum and instruction
24 Part-time MBA
24 Civil engineering
25 Marketing

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CU ��ý�� Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News (College of Arts and Sciences)

CU ��ý��'s environmental law and aerospace engineering graduate programs were among the top ranked in the 2027 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

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Finals prep: Tips to finish strong

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:23:40 +0000

Finals prep: Tips to finish strong Megan M Rogers Fri, 04/03/2026 - 09:23

Finals will be here before you know it! It's never too early to get organized and ensure you’re on track to finish the semester strong.

Finals will be here before you know it! It's never too early to get organized and ensure you're on track to finish the semester strong.

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Interested in integrating community-engaged learning into an undergraduate course?

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:08:31 +0000

Interested in integrating community-engaged learning into an undergraduate course? Megan M Rogers Thu, 03/19/2026 - 09:08

Apply by May 10 for the Experiential Learning Design Accelerator, which supports CU ��ý�� faculty members with the design of undergraduate courses that integrate community-engaged, experiential learning partnerships.

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