Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Be a Steward of Change and Pursue your Career in Climate Adaptation

Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience is designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle one of the world’s most pressing issues—climate change. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this program equips you with expertise in climate science, impacts, and strategies for adaptation, preparing you to drive real-world change.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for leadership roles in government, NGOs, research institutions, and private companies, guiding organizations and communities towards sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience?

80 K

Climate Change Policy Analysts jobs in the U.S., 2023*

$ 80 K

Climate Change Policy Analysts pay, 2024*

+ 8 %

Estimated U.S. job growth for Climate Change Policy Analysts 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 MPS in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Program You’ll Learn To:

Understand climate variability and the processes driving climate change
Develop adaptation and resilience plans based on the best available climate adaptation and resilience data
Apply critical thinking to assess and reduce vulnerabilities to climate impacts on individuals and systems
Use systems thinking to address complex climate change challenges
Prioritize inclusive planning and climate justice in existing climate solutions
Evaluate decision-making theories in organizations and political systems, focusing on underserved communities

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Aerial view of flooded houses and rescue vehicles.

What You Will Study

Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Course Examples

Behavior Economics: Understanding What Shapes Decision-Making

You will apply principles of behavioral economics to identify and address sustainability problems faced by companies. Explain how cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors impact human decision-making.

Climate Dynamics

You will explore the science of climate change, its human drivers, and its impacts on natural and human systems. You will analyze mitigation and adaptation strategies, develop communication skills for diverse audiences, and examine both historical and emerging responses to build community resilience.

Man on a sea shore standing looking at water and icebergs.

Thinking in Systems

You will dive into systems thinking by devising a research question based on a problem and gathering information to create a model. The problem and question will require systems analysis, be data-driven, and be supported by existing research.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Climate Change Adaptation and 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.

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 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. Contact your concierge or advisor to create your personalized plan.

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

For a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

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.

Master’s in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The climate change adaptation and resilience degree requires 30 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 chose Unity because of the convenience and the variety of programs available…”

Hannah H.
Unity Master's Student

Read Hannah’s Full Quote

Hannah H.
Unity Master's Student

“I chose Unity because of the convenience and the variety of programs available. I was grateful to find a 100% online master’s program that focused on an area I’m highly passionate about that I can do while I live in a completely different country.”

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

M.S. in Conservation Biology, B.S. Wildlife Ecology

Heather Stricker
Global Expert in Climate Change Solutions, GIS, and the Intersection of Human and Natural Systems.

More Info

Heather Stricker
Global Expert in Climate Change Solutions, GIS, and the Intersection of Human and Natural Systems.

Heather Stricker is an adjunct faculty member for Distance Education at Unity Environmental University. Heather holds a Master of Science in Conservation Biology from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology from Iowa State University. Heather is also in her 3rd year of a doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, majoring in Educational Sustainability, with a focus on climate change.

Heather’s early years in conservation focused on large carnivores, where she studied the landscape habitat patterns and behaviors of wolves, black bears, bobcats, and more. Later, she broadened her field of study to look at complex patterns of habitat availability and interacting human/natural phenomena. This led her to a research role studying biomass removal (for renewable energy) and human disturbance patterns on forestlands of the eastern United States, and ultimately climate change solutions-building.

Heather has held roles with state, federal, and tribal agencies, as well as universities and non-profit organizations. These varied experiences have helped Heather to have a broad understanding of the different perspectives surrounding natural resources and human interactions with nature, which is important for sustainability solutions-building. Throughout Heather’s roles and experiences, she has leveraged and gained expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) as a critical tool for sustainability. As such, Heather’s teaching style is highly systems- and solutions-oriented, focusing not just on the biophysical aspects of a sustainability issue, but also on the most up-to-date technical tools, complex interacting factors, and human elements.

Learn from Leaders

EdD in Leadership and Innovation, MEd in Educational Leadership, BA in Government and Leadership

Michael Peel
Global Expert in Community-Driven Sustainability Planning and Equitable Climate Action

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Michael Peel
Global Expert in Community-Driven Sustainability Planning and Equitable Climate Action

Dr. Michael Peel is a member of the Distance Education Graduate Faculty team. He received an EdD in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University, an MEd in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a BA in Government and Leadership from Claremont McKenna College. Dr. Peel’s research and teaching interests focus on collaborative climate justice and action, equitable community engagement, and sustainability project implementation. He also specializes in capacity building and planning methods. For his mixed-methods dissertation and study, he developed a toolkit titled the “Climate Justice Collaborative Toolkit” that is designed to be a holistic and action-based framework for improving community engagement and equity processes to increase intersectional climate justice-based outcomes including community capacity-building efforts. Dr. Peel has 17 years of experience in community-driven climate planning, including a series of applied and collaborative climate educational programs in California, Arizona, and elsewhere where he implemented community-based climate courses for community colleges in partnership with the EPA, and led a coalition that successfully competed for federal funds for an energy conservation jobs program supporting low-income individuals through the California Energy Commission’s Clean Energy Workforce Training Program. Dr. Peel’s experience conducting research and planning has been done in partnership with a diverse range of community partners to advance equitable, resilient climate solutions through sustainability projects and programs. Dr. Peel is a proud parent to his daughter Emma with his partner Dr. Cassandra Peel. He enjoys reading, running, film, music, and especially time with family, including his dogs Jesse and Rudie.

Learn from Leaders

PhD in Earth and Climate Science, MS in Quaternary and Climate Studies, BS in Geology

Dr. Nicole Spaulding
Global Expert in Climate Action and Communication Strategies

Learn More About Dr. Spaulding

Dr. Nicole Spaulding
Global Expert in Climate Action and Communication Strategies

Dr. Nicole Spaulding received her Ph.D. in Earth and Climate Science from the University of Maine, following an M.S. in Quaternary and Climate Studies (UMaine) and a B.S. in Geology (Colgate University). Her research journey has taken her to incredible places, including five field seasons in Antarctica and one in the Swiss-Italian Alps. In the lab, she utilized advanced techniques like laser ablation and scanning electron microscopy to analyze ice samples. This work not only deepened her understanding of climate change but also highlighted how research methods and communication strategies can influence public perception of critical issues.

Currently, she serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Maine Climate Science Information Exchange at the University of Maine. In this role, she develops and manages an internship program designed to support Maine’s climate action plan. She collaborates closely with students and partner organizations, including state departments and non-profits, to engage in projects related to blue carbon, intertidal monitoring, stormwater management, science communication, greenhouse gas mitigation, carbon sequestration, forest management, aquaculture education and outreach, and more. This program helps bridge the gap between scientific research and community action, empowering students to contribute to meaningful climate solutions and helping Maine move toward a more sustainable future. She believes that by fostering collaboration and effective communication, we can better address the pressing climate challenges we face today. She is thrilled to share her experience and enthusiasm with Unity’s students as they navigate their own graduate experience.