SMBA in Climate-Ready Business

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Lead a Changing World and Connect Climate to Business

Environmental challenges, especially climate-related ones, are no longer isolated from core business strategy; they are critical to an organization’s resilience and growth. The Climate-Ready Business program prepares the next generation of business leaders with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainability into strategic decision-making.

By connecting climate-related issues to business value — through risk mitigation, cost savings, revenue generation, and brand enhancement — this program empowers students to create real impact.

Graduates will be prepared to address climate issues in diverse professional roles, enabling them to champion sustainable solutions that drive long-term success.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Climate-Ready Business?

313 K

Chief Sustainability Officer jobs in the U.S., 2023.

$ 207 K

Chief Sustainability Officer average pay, 2023.

23 K

Projected Job Openings for Chief Sustainability Officer jobs through 2033.

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

In the SMBA in Climate-Ready Business Program You’ll Learn To:

Assess climate-related risks and their impact on business performance
Study climate-related strategies to reduce operational expenses
Explore climate-related revenue prospects and their effects on financial reporting and marketing
Leverage climate opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and attract new clients
Create strategies that foster collaboration across the value chain to address climate challenges

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Interracial ecology engineers working on renewable energy project.

Sustainability is a core value at Salesforce, so I was excited to learn about Unity Environmental University’s expanding curriculum. Their Sustainable MBA in Climate-Ready Business helps equip future leaders with the skills to drive real-world impact by integrating business principles with cutting-edge sustainability strategies.”

Brian Komar – VP of Global Sustainability Solutions at Salesforce Foundation

What You Will Study

Climate-Ready Business
Course Examples

The Low-Carbon Economy

In this course, you will explore the transition to a low-carbon economy, examining the factors that drive and hinder this transformation, such as policies, NGO pressure, and customer expectations. Through theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical projects, you’ll gain essential skills for your future career.

Low angle photo of two men shaking hands in front of a windmill.

Climate Reporting

In this course, you will explore various climate-related reporting protocols and frameworks. You’ll research and compare multiple options to understand the complexity of reporting for companies. You will select one mandatory protocol, one voluntary framework, and one third-party rater to address for a chosen company.

Beyond Net Zero: Net Positive

In this course, you will examine the thresholds for sustainability, net zero, and net positive. You’ll explore planetary boundaries and the significance of climate issues. You will study the Future Fit Business Benchmark to understand net zero and develop a net positive plan for a chosen company.

Picture of a woman presenting a topic to a group.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Climate-Ready Business

Climate-Ready Business focuses on equipping organizations to tackle the challenges posed by climate change through innovative solutions and sustainability leadership. It emphasizes the importance of climate change leadership in developing effective climate mitigation strategies and adaptation measures. By implementing climate action plans, businesses can align their operations with global climate agreements, enhancing their resilience through renewable energy systems and informed climate policy and governance.

Earning an SMBA in Climate-Ready Business Unity empowers graduates to become influential leaders in sustainability and climate action. Graduates will be prepared to navigate the complexities of climate policy, engage in environmental economics, and contribute to the development of robust climate action plans, positioning themselves as valuable assets in a rapidly evolving job market focused on sustainability leadership.

Environmental issues, particularly climate-related issues, have moved from siloed, cost-center requirements to strategic issues that impact current business operations and future success. The Climate-Ready Business program prepares the next generation of business leaders to strategically address climate-related issues by linking those issues to business value creation: risk mitigation, cost saving and revenue generating opportunities, brand enhancement, and pre-competing. This focus will prepare students for their next professional role interacting with climate challenges and opportunities in business.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

The timeframe for completion of the SMBA in Climate-Ready Business master’s degree is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the SMBA program in a little over one year. Alternatively, opt for part-time study by taking one course at a time. Whichever path you choose, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way. Contact your concierge or advisor to create your personalized plan.

SMBA Core: 21 credits

PROF 515 Ethical Practice and Policy
SUST 525 Making the Invisible Visible: The ESG Proposition
SBUS 503 Organizational Behavior and Change Management Strategies
SBUS 505 Accounting & Finance for Sustainable Solutions
SUST 515 Leading Sustainable Change
MKTG 505 Marketing Research
SBUS 590 Sustainable MBA Capstone I: Planning Green Business Initiatives

Major Program Core: 15 credits

SBUS 550 The Low Carbon Economy
SBUS 560 Climate Strategy
SBUS 610 Operational Drawdown
SBUS 620 Climate Reporting
SBUS 630 Beyond Net Zero: Net Positive

Apply online for free to get started.

A Sustainable Master of Business Administration (SMBA) includes the foundational concepts of a Master of Business Administration (MBA), while also integrating principles of environmental and social responsibility to prepare future business leaders to drive long-term economic success that includes ecological resilience and societal well-being.

SMBA in Climate-Ready Business Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The climate-ready business degree requires 36 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Sustainability Core

Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Accelerated Path

Fast-track your Master’s degree and finish your program in as little as one year.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the industry.

Future Success

Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 5 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want

Real Students, Real Impact

Real Students, Real Impact

“I’m thankful for the doors that Unity has helped me open…”

Lauren W.
Masters Degree in Marine Science

Read Lauren’s Story

Lauren W.
Masters Degree in Marine Science

For anyone considering a career switch into the meaningful field of marine science, wildlife, or the environment, I would say, don’t hesitate to pursue your dream.” – Lauren, Unity Master’s student

Lauren, a Marine Science Master’s student at Unity Environmental University, embodies a unique blend of passion for coastal ecology and a commitment to environmental preservation. Growing up in Maine’s picturesque Frenchman’s Bay area, Lauren’s fascination with marine science began early. Her childhood summers were spent sailing, exploring the shoreline, and discovering marine life, sparking a lifelong interest in the ocean’s mysteries.

Unity’s online master’s program offered the perfect blend of flexibility and quality, enabling Lauren to balance her studies with her full-time job and her service in the Army Reserve.

“I was thrilled to learn about Unity’s online master’s program in marine science because it gives me the flexibility to pursue a career I’m passionate about while working full-time and serving in the Army Reserve,” Lauren shares. This flexibility was crucial for her, allowing her to take classes from anywhere, an essential feature given her commitments.

Currently residing in Connecticut, Lauren has recently achieved a significant career milestone. After eight years of working in an elementary school, she secured a new position with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. She will be part of the Long Island Sound Water Quality and Hypoxia Monitoring Program.

This new role marks a pivotal step towards her long-term goal of transitioning to a government environmental career in marine science. Lauren credits Unity for opening doors and providing her with the tools needed to succeed. “I’m thankful for the doors that Unity has helped me open, and I hope that it will help me move back to Maine and start a career in the Maine Department of Marine Services after gaining some more experience,” she says.

Lauren is enthusiastic about the future. Each new term at Unity presents opportunities for growth and learning, helping her refine her skills as a future marine scientist. She aims to contribute significantly to ocean conservation, hoping to inspire others to pursue careers in marine science and environmental protection.

Lauren’s journey with Unity Environmental University is a testament to her dedication and passion for marine science. As she navigates her way through new challenges and opportunities, she remains committed to preserving our oceans for future generations.

Start YOUR journey to success today!

Apply Now

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

B.S. in Systems Engineering, MBA in Strategy

Jeff Gowdy
Global Expert in Sustainability and ESG

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Jeff Gowdy
Global Expert in Sustainability and ESG

Jeff Gowdy is a globally recognized leader and practitioner in sustainability and ESG, particularly in the areas of strategy, GHG emissions and science-based targets, reporting, goal setting, and materiality. He serves on the Board of the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and teaches at Vanderbilt University. For the past twenty-two years, he has led projects across all aspects of environmental, social, and governance issues. He is a frequent speaker and writer, e.g. Sustainable Brands, GreenBiz. He graduated with academic honors from both the University of Virginia with a BS in Systems Engineering and Vanderbilt University with an MBA in strategy. Jeff has led hundreds of sustainability projects since 2002, including work on well-known projects such as GE’s Ecomagination launch, Walmart’s Sustainable Value Networks launch, and General Mills & Kellogg’s Science Based Targets. Other interesting projects: sustainability audit of Bonnaroo, GHG inventory for an NFL team, an LCA of insect-based protein, partnership assessment of African business schools for Vanderbilt, and an energy/climate plan for a Bahamian island.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Business

Tomeika Williams
Global Expert in Accounting and Business Management

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Tomeika Williams
Global Expert in Accounting and Business Management

My name is Dr. Tomeika Williams. I have an Associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. I earned my Ph.D. in Business with a specialization in accounting in 2015. From 2005 to 2012, I worked in private accounting in various roles such as Staff Accountant, consultant, and accounting manager for small to medium sized businesses in various industries not limited to real estate, distribution, market research, insurance, and telecommunications. I became an adjunct accounting instructor directly after completing my Master’s in 2010 and to date have taught online and traditional campus classes in accounting, business management, and corporate finance. I have made great strides in teaching, curriculum development and instructional design for a total of 10 years.

In 2015, I published my first accounting textbook for business majors, and I am currently working with an accounting colleague to write and publish an accounting ethics textbook in the next year. I have attended and presented at several regional and local accounting conferences including for the American Accounting Association (AAA) and the Georgia Society of CPA’s. I just published last week in the Springer Series for Corporate Sustainability and Governance an article on Corporate Governance and the Roles of Management as it relates to Fraud in the Precious Metals Industry. My areas of research interest happen to be fraud, forensics, tax, corporate governance, behavioral accounting, and audit.

Learn from Leaders

Maya Jabar
Global Expert in Social Entrepreneurship and Business Transformation

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Maya Jabar
Global Expert in Social Entrepreneurship and Business Transformation

Dr. Maya Jaber, a seasoned social entrepreneur, visionary, and educator with over two decades of business expertise, is dedicated to redefining the business landscape with a profound emphasis on humanity. She has been on a relentless quest to drive market transformation towards a sustainable future. With a multifaceted background that spans leadership roles within organizations and independent consultancy, Dr. Jaber has consistently fostered education and awareness. She champions holistic strategies that catalyze cultural shifts, optimize operations, expand organizational growth, and enhance the bottom line, all while weaving in crucial Environmental, Social, and Governance imperatives. Dr. Jaber’s dynamic approach encompasses a blend of creativity, analytical prowess, research acumen, and tactical finesse. She uniquely navigates the intricate interplay between macro and micro perspectives, crafting solutions enriched by qualitative and quantitative data. Her central ethos revolves around placing humanity at the core of every endeavor.