What Courses are in the Program?

Research Core: 15 creditsRSCH 510 Research FundamentalsMATH 510 Tools and Technologies for Data AnalysisMATH 525 Quantitative Research Design and StatisticsMATH 530 Qualitative Research Design and AnalysisRSCH 610 Research CommunicationMajor Program Core: 15 creditsTECH 5XX Foundations of Sustainable Technology and ComputingSUST 5XX Life Cycle Assessment and Circular DesignTECH 5XX Energy-Efficient Systems and Green ITTECH 6XX AI for a Sustainable PlanetTECH 6XX Sustainable Technology Studio

What is a Master of Science (MS) degree?

The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study. Students typically specialize in a particular field of science and learn the research skills related to their discipline.The MS program is centered around developing a strong foundation in research and scientific inquiry:Research Methodology: Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results within the context of their scientific discipline.Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes the ability to think analytically and critically about scientific problems, forming the basis for sound research and decision-making.Technical Expertise: Depending on the field of study, students may acquire advanced technical skills in areas such as data collection techniques, fieldwork, GIS mapping, computational modeling, or statistical analysis.Academic Writing: The ability to write clearly and effectively is honed, particularly through the process of producing a thesis or research papers suitable for publication.

100% Online Master of Science Degree

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Protect the Planet.

Develop the skills redefining how the world builds, uses, and sustains technology.

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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.

Program Overview

Sustainable Technology and Computing

This master of science degree program combines sustainability science, systems thinking, and life cycle assessment to integrate environmental and social responsibility into every stage of the technology lifecycle.

Career Outlook: Sustainable Computer Systems Analysts in the U.S.

527 K

Number of jobs in 2024*

11 %

Est. job growth through 2034*

$ 104 K

Median annual salary in 2024*

*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.

CAREER OUTCOMES

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Technology and Computing?

Green IT Manager

Reduce energy and resource consumption across technology infrastructure.

Close up of a man working on a computer.

Environmental Software Engineer

Build tools that support environmental monitoring and sustainability.

Young African businessman looking at data on computer screen while sitting in armchair in front of several monitors and typing

Data Center Sustainability Analyst

Optimize data facility operations for minimal environmental impact.

women-collaborating-on-esg-strategy-and-environmen-2025-10-05-08-01-17-utc

Clean Technology Product Manager

Lead development of products that solve environmental challenges.

“Unity gave me the ability to just go out into the world…not to be confined to the classroom…”

Zachary Davis
MPS in Environmental Studies and Sustainability

Read Zach’s Full Quote

Zachary Davis
MPS in Environmental Studies and Sustainability

“Unity gave me the ability to just go out into the world. Especially with Distance Education, not to be confined to the classroom, and actually put my knowledge and education to work. So I was actually out in the community doing stuff, while I was learning and actually applying the curriculum hands-on immediately.”

What you’ll learn

Lead the Sustainable Digital Revolution

Evaluate computing technologies for environmental sustainability using tools like life cycle assessment and circular economy principles
Apply sustainable design principles to improve the efficiency of computing systems and software
Analyze the ethical and social impacts of emerging computing technologies
Develop AI and data-driven tools that incorporate sustainability principles
Integrate computing, sustainability, and policy knowledge to create responsible technology solutions
Apply regulatory and ethical frameworks to guide sustainable technology development

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

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Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

MS in Marine and Environmental Science, BS in Biology

Reena John
Global Expert in Data Science

More Info

Reena John
Global Expert in Data Science

Reena John is a Data Scientist at Hourglass Climate. She received her M.S. in Marine and Environmental Science from Northeastern University and her B.S. in Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Reena has primarily been working in the marine carbon dioxide removal and ocean alkalinity enhancement space, where she is able to combine her passion for the ocean with her interest in data science.

Reena worked as a tutor and a teaching assistant throughout her undergraduate and graduate careers. It was during her graduate internship that she really became inspired to teach because of her mentor, who emphasized the need to focus on ethics and science communication in this field, which Reena now applies in her teaching. When she’s not working in the lab or on R, Reena loves hiking and has more recently gotten into pottery!

Learn from Leaders

PhD in Soil and Environmental Data Science, MSc in Geography

Samira Safaee
Global Expert in Geoscience & Data Science

More Info

Samira Safaee
Global Expert in Geoscience & Data Science

Dr. Samira Safaee is an experienced geoscientist and data scientist with a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Data Science from the Departments of Ecological Science & Engineering and Agronomy at Purdue University, and an M.Sc. in Geography, focusing on GIS, Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning, from Kansas State University. With over a decade of interdisciplinary expertise, her work integrates machine learning, geospatial modeling, and environmental process understanding to address sustainability challenges in agroecosystems and landscape management.

Her research focuses on developing knowledge-guided ML pipelines for digital soil mapping, hydrologic modeling, and carbon and nitrogen dynamics across complex terrains, combining diverse data sources—including satellite imagery, LiDAR, field observations, and laboratory measurements—into robust AI and ML models. She has published articles in journals such as Geoderma Regional, International Journal of Remote Sensing, and Geophysical Research Letters.

Currently, Dr. Safaee is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Purdue University and the USDA National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory, where she leads the development of a process-based risk index tool to identify areas vulnerable to dissolved nutrient loss in subsurface drainage systems. Her work bridges advanced environmental modeling with applied data science to support decision-making in agricultural and environmental management.

She also has experience developing graduate courses and mentoring students in soil and data science, GIS, remote sensing, and AI-driven environmental modeling. Her teaching and research interests include Remote Sensing and Earth Observation, Digital Soil Mapping, Environmental Data Science, and Applied Machine Learning in Geosciences.

Learn from Leaders

MA in Adult and Organizational Learning

Nancy Kristiansen
Global Expert in Sustainability and Quality Improvement

Learn More About Nancy Kristiansen

Nancy Kristiansen
Global Expert in Sustainability and Quality Improvement

Drawing on the metaphor of a tree, I see my professional journey as one of growth and connection, deeply rooted in both high-tech and low-tech industries, as well as academia. My experiences have branched out in various directions, yet my core commitment remains: to share my insights and foster meaningful connections that benefit my clients, students, and myself.

My career encompasses various frontline, network and executive-level positions where I have overseen corporate training programs and academic degree initiatives, alongside roles in sustainability and quality improvement. My professional journey is further complemented by an array of professional certifications and academic credentials, including a master’s degree in Adult and Organizational Learning from Suffolk University in Boston (1998) and a Yoga Teacher Certification obtained in 2019.

I take pride in my collaborative achievements, working alongside exceptional colleagues to advance social, environmental, and economic sustainability within our campus and local communities. My focus is on promoting social justice and sustainable innovation, creating impactful opportunities for change and leadership.

As I reflect on my journey, the insights I’ve gained enrich both my professional endeavors and personal philosophy. I remain committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences and inspiring future leaders through innovative teaching methods and an engaging online curriculum. Eager to connect and grow with others, I believe that together we can cultivate our potential and branch into new possibilities.

Have Questions About the Master of Science in Sustainable Technology and Computing?

Sustainable technology and computing focuses on creating and managing technology in ways that protect the environment and promote responsible practices. It looks at every stage of a technology’s life, from design and materials to daily use and disposal, finding ways to reduce its impact. Tools like energy efficiency planning, life cycle assessments, and circular economy models help make technology greener and more responsible. The goal is to design technology that supports long-term sustainability.

The Master of Science (MS) in Sustainable Technology and Computing is a fully online graduate program that blends sustainability science, systems thinking, and technical computing. It prepares professionals to reduce the environmental impact of computing systems and promote responsible practices. Students learn practical approaches such as life cycle analysis, circular design, and energy-efficient systems, while developing AI and data-driven tools that incorporate sustainability principles.

The program also addresses the ethical and social impacts of emerging technologies and the regulatory frameworks that guide responsible development. Designed for working professionals, it opens doors to leadership roles in sustainable technology, environmental consulting, systems analysis, data science, and sustainability management.

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.

Research Core: 15 credits

RSCH 510 Research Fundamentals
MATH 510 Tools and Technologies for Data Analysis
MATH 525 Quantitative Research Design and Statistics
MATH 530 Qualitative Research Design and Analysis
RSCH 610 Research Communication

Major Program Core: 15 credits

TECH 5XX Foundations of Sustainable Technology and Computing
SUST 5XX Life Cycle Assessment and Circular Design
TECH 5XX Energy-Efficient Systems and Green IT
TECH 6XX AI for a Sustainable Planet
TECH 6XX Sustainable Technology Studio

The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study. Students typically specialize in a particular field of science and learn the research skills related to their discipline.

The MS program is centered around developing a strong foundation in research and scientific inquiry:

Research Methodology: Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results within the context of their scientific discipline.
Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes the ability to think analytically and critically about scientific problems, forming the basis for sound research and decision-making.
Technical Expertise: Depending on the field of study, students may acquire advanced technical skills in areas such as data collection techniques, fieldwork, GIS mapping, computational modeling, or statistical analysis.
Academic Writing: The ability to write clearly and effectively is honed, particularly through the process of producing a thesis or research papers suitable for publication.

Still Deciding?

Power the Future.
Protect the Planet.

Choose Your Next Step