Coastal Economic Development

Overhead photo of a cruise ship in blue ocean water.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Drive Ocean Innovation To Shape the Future of Ocean Resources

Be a leader in the sustainable use of ocean resources. An online master’s degree in Coastal Economic Development offers the perfect blend of business acumen, marine sciences, and sustainability practices, preparing you to lead in this rapidly growing field. Unity is the recognized leader in sustainability degrees.

Here, you’ll gain hands-on experience through real-world projects – done on your schedule and from your home – preparing you for a rewarding career in areas such as marine resource management, sustainable tourism, and marine policy.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Coastal Economic Development?

313 K

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

$ 207 K

Chief Sustainability Officer average pay, 2024.

23 K

Projected Job Openings for Chief Sustainability Officers 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 Coastal Economic Development program you’ll learn To:

Analyze the impact of ocean industries and create sustainable strategies
Assess climate change effects on marine ecosystems
Apply marine ecology principles to balance economic and environmental goals
Understand legal frameworks governing marine resources
Develop strategies to support coastal communities’ growth and resilience

Apply now

Marine officer on the deck looking out over the ocean.

What You Will Study

Coastal Economic Development
Course Examples

Economics and Policy of Marine Resources

This course dives into managing marine resources. You will explore economic ideas behind using and protecting them, along with policies for sustainable management. You’ll value marine resources, analyze conservation projects, and study the social and economic effects of marine policies. Real-world examples will showcase policy approaches and economic impacts in different marine areas. The course stresses combining economics, policy, and science to create sustainable marine resource management strategies.

Coastal Zone Resilience and Management

In this course you’ll tackle building resilience in coastal zones. You will explore the natural and human forces shaping these areas, along with threats like climate change. You’ll also analyze successful management practices and develop plans to make coasts more resistant to environmental, social, and economic challenges. The course stresses combining science, economics, policy, and community involvement for sustainable coastal management.

Sustainable Coastal and Marine Tourism

This course builds your knowledge in sustainable tourism for coasts and oceans. You will explore how tourism impacts these environments and communities, both positive and negative. You’ll learn to balance economic benefits with protecting the environment and ensuring fairness for locals. The course covers sustainable tourism principles, climate change’s effects, and tourism regulations. Through real-world examples and projects, you will develop plans for sustainable tourism that aid conservation and empower coastal communities.

Beach Harbor with surfers in the distance.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Coastal Economic Development

Coastal Economic Development focuses on sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while preserving marine ecosystems. This interdisciplinary field encompasses sectors like renewable energy, sustainable fisheries, marine biotechnology, and eco-friendly tourism, balancing economic development with environmental conservation.

Earning an SMBA in Coastal Economic Development from Unity Environmental University prepares graduates to drive sustainable economic growth through responsible marine resource utilization. This online degree program blends business fundamentals with marine sciences, coastal resilience, and blue economy principles.

The Sustainable MBA in Coastal Economic Development prepares students to drive sustainable economic growth through responsible marine resource utilization. This interdisciplinary program blends business fundamentals with marine sciences, coastal resilience, and blue economy principles. Students analyze the environmental, economic, and social impacts of ocean-based industries to develop sustainable strategies balancing growth and conservation.

The curriculum covers marine ecology, climate change adaptation, coastal community resilience, marine resource policies, and sustainable coastal tourism. Graduates gain expertise navigating the blue economy’s complex challenges and opportunities. They are prepared for careers in marine resource management, coastal planning, sustainable tourism, environmental policy, and related fields. Graduates will lead the transition to a more sustainable and prosperous blue economy, promoting economic empowerment and inclusive growth for coastal communities worldwide.

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 Coastal Economic Development 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

MARI 505 Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems
MARI 630 Economics and Policy of Marine Resources
MARI 633 Coastal Zone Resilience and Management
SUST 510 Climate Dynamics
SUST 623 Sustainable Coastal and Marine Tourism

For a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then 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 Coastal Economic Development Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The coastal economic development 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

“…Unity is special because it lets me be able to be a student, while working full time…”

Jade M.
Unity Master's Student

Read Jade’s Full Quote

Jade M.
Unity Master's Student

“In my opinion Unity is special because it lets me be able to be a student, while working full time and be able to spend time with my family.”

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

PhD in Ecology, MS in Marine Biology, BS in Biology

Dr. Bruce Stephen
Global Expert in Ocean Ecology and Research

Learn More About Dr. Stephen

Dr. Bruce Stephen
Global Expert in Ocean Ecology and Research

Bruce has a B.S. in biology from SUNY Cortland, a M.S. in marine biology from UMass Dartmouth, and a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He has taught biology for the last eighteen years at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE and currently spends summers teaching younger students at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography on MDI in Maine. That same group runs winter programs that have taken him and groups of students to Jamaica, Bermuda, and Belize during winter break.

Before his Ph.D., he spent five years as a research associate at McLean Hospital with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program. He has published scientific articles with topics ranging from fish physiology to drug use among college students. His main area of research these days is the ecology of snails.

He is also an avid musician, playing drums with a band for many years. If you hunt, you may be able to dig up some of it, there are at least two pieces of music out there in the old fashion vinyl medium.

Learn from Leaders

PhD in Economics

Dr. Shana McDermott
Global Expert in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Learn More About Dr. McDermott

Dr. Shana McDermott
Global Expert in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Dr. Shana McDermott holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Wyoming, where she specialized in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics and Industrial Organization. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida in Economics and Statistics. Dr. McDermott’s research has made significant contributions to understanding the economic impacts of environmental and sustainability policies, earning her international recognition and multiple awards. Her work, which includes over 300 citations, frequently addresses the socioeconomic effects of biological invasions, the economic costs associated with natural disasters, such as wildfires, and the unintended consequences of climate change and energy policies.

Her publications in leading peer-reviewed journals reflect her ability to integrate economic analysis with environmental science to produce actionable insights for policy and management. A highlight of her interdisciplinary approach is her collaboration on a UN-sponsored assessment of invasive species, which has influenced global policy recommendations. Dr. McDermott is also a dedicated educator interested in courses that blend theoretical policy concepts with practical environmental and sustainability applications. Her teaching has consistently been well-received, marked by high student evaluations and a commitment to student engagement and learning. Beyond academia, Dr. McDermott is dedicated to community service, working with local environmental conservation groups and contributing to sustainable practices at a grassroots level.

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.