Environmental Scientist
Address various climate change effects including heat waves, increased droughts, and flooding.
|
Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states. |
|
88% of Unity graduates are employed or earning advanced degrees within 6 months. |
CAREER OUTCOMES
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience?
Renewable Energy Engineer
Design and construct sustainable energy solutions including wind and solar energy
Environmental Lawyer
Represent the interests of individuals and corporations, but sometimes the environment needs legal representation too.
Ecologist
Predict and prevent future environmental degradation which makes them essential in the fight against climate change
Read Zach’s Full Quote“Unity gave me the ability to just go out into the world…not to be confined to the classroom…”
View Taylor’s Full Quote“The residential program just wasn’t going to work for me anymore…”
View Loma’s Full Quote“Unity found me…and that’s my favorite thing to say.”
View Ryan’s Full Quote“…the opportunity to get a graduate degree in there and pivot my life…”
View Mackenzie’s Full Quote“Unity allowed me to work full-time while also going to school full-time…”
View Jordan’s Full Quote“…with (Unity) being totally online, it helps create flexibility for my schedule.”
View Full TestimonialI chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
View Emily’s Full Quote“Everybody here genuinely cares…they really do want to help you.”
View Haillee’s Full Quote“…being a full-time single mom it gives me the time to be able to do my coursework on my time.”
View Jairus’s Full Quote“…being able to directly apply what I’m learning in class to my actual work…was actually pretty exciting.”
View Abigail’s Full Quote“I always had a team that was helping me. And because of that, I feel I was able to thrive.”
View Caitlin’s Full Quote“…I wanted something that really resonated with what I feel. What I stand for.”
View Full Testimonial“I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning.”
View Aymee’s Full Quote“It…contradicted that myth that an online program is just going to be sitting at a computer.”
View Karen’s Full Quote“…it wasn’t just my degree…it was their degree too that I was learning.”
View Full Testimonial“We don’t just teach students about things—they get up, go outside, and DO the things they’re meant to learn.”
View Kai’s Full Quote“…yes I can learn. I can learn in all these different types of ways. I can learn this material.”
View Hunter’s Full Story“Unity surprised me the most with its 5-week class format, supportive instructors, and affordability. While we often consider online classes a go-at-your-own-pace option, Unity is structured differently, and I excel with structured but fast-paced courses.”
View Kim’s Full Quote“Unity was a godsend when it came to financial aid and actually all of my finances…”
View Kayli’s Full Quote“…the project-based learning aspect made me get inspired more about the content.”
View Fredell’s Full Quote“Unity is flexible…it just made it work out for me.”
View Full TestimonialI chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
View Taylor’s Full Quote“In order to be fully present for my special needs child, I needed to be available at all times.”
View Full Testimonial“Distance Education it’s not that expensive…you don’t have to pay for room and board.”
What you’ll learn
Understanding Climate Science and Building Resilience Strategies
- Evaluate climate risks and vulnerabilities to design adaptive strategies that protect communities, ecosystems, and organizations
- Analyze climate variability and apply modeling tools to inform place-based adaptation and resilience planning
- Apply climate justice principles and participatory methods to develop inclusive, community-centered adaptation strategies
- Integrate climate policy, finance, and equity considerations to design and evaluate real-world resilience solutions
Awards and recognition
Proudly Recognized for Excellence
Tuition Rate Lock
Unity’s tuition is locked through 2030, meaning your rate won’t increase while you’re enrolled, providing cost certainty from start to finish.
Total Tuition Cost: $16,500
The total degree tuition falls below the annual federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit, making it possible to finance your education without relying on additional private loans.
Military Friendly
Unity supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their families with a reduced tuition rate of $535/credit. VA education benefits, including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, Active Duty TA and others, may be used toward the cost of your degree.
NO SURPRISES. NO UNNECESSARY FEES.
Transparent, Predictable Pricing
See why 98% of Unity students don’t need private loans.
Affordable, Transparent Tuition
With no hidden fees!
Flexible Payment Options
Plans that fit your budget.
Locked-In Tuition
7 years with no tuition increase.
Earn While You Learn
Work full-time while studying.
Personalized Financial Plan
Know your cost before you start.
Low Textbook Costs
Free materials in most courses.
Never an Application Fee
Learn from Leaders
Learn from Leaders
More InfoM.S. in Conservation Biology, B.S. Wildlife Ecology
Learn from LeadersLearn More About Dr. FosterMS in Biology, BS in Wildlife,
Learn from LeadersLearn More About Dr. FernandezPhD in Experimental Psychology, B.S. in Zoology
Learn from LeadersLearn More About Dr. BobrinDVM BS in Biology
FAQ
Have Questions About the Master of Professional Science in Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience?
Climate change adaptation and resiliency refer to the strategies and actions taken to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts while enhancing the capacity of human and natural systems to recover and thrive amid ongoing environmental changes. Adaptation involves proactive steps such as updating infrastructure, shifting agricultural practices, or implementing early warning systems, while resiliency emphasizes the ability to absorb shocks, maintain core functions, and evolve in response to stressors like rising sea levels or extreme weather. Together, they form a foundation for sustainable development and climate justice, particularly for communities most affected by climate disruptions
The Master of Professional Science in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. With a focus on developing professional skills, the transdisciplinary program draws on various fields, including environmental science, sociology, economics, and psychology to provide foundational knowledge on climate vulnerability, risk, decision-making, and climate action. Students in the program learn to assess the impacts of climate change on individuals, ecosystems, economies, and societies and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Students will learn how to work with diverse communities, including historically underserved, to ensure they are included in the planning and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies that safeguard and sustain natural resources. Graduates of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience program will be prepared for careers related to climate change adaptation and resilience in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private sector companies.
The timeframe for completion is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the program within just 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.
Professional Masters Core: 15 credits
- PROF 505 Strategic Management of Innovation
- PROF 510 Communication for Environmental Professionals
- PROF 515 Ethical Practice and Policy
- PROF 590 Capstone I
- PROF 690 Capstone II
Major Program Core: 15 credits
- PSYC 505 Behavior Economics: Understanding What Shapes Decision-Making
- SUST 505 Thinking in Systems
- SUST 510 Climate Dynamics
- SUST 530 Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- SUST 605 Climate Change Equity and Engagement
The Master of Professional Science (MPS) is a graduate degree designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical skills relevant to the workforce. Unlike traditional science degrees, the MPS emphasizes hands-on experience and professional development, preparing students for careers that require both expertise in science and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. MPS programs focus on a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workplace:
- Project Management: Students learn to plan, execute, and manage projects, often in scientific or environmental settings.
- Communication: Emphasis is placed on effectively communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
- Policy Analysis: Students gain the ability to understand and analyze policies related to their field, making them valuable assets in governmental and organizational decision-making processes.
- Technical Proficiency: Students develop a range of specialized skills and techniques relevant to their discipline, such as animal training, conservation advocacy, environmental monitoring, or other tools essential to their field.
The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study.
