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
Climate-Ready Business
This master’s program is designed to provide you with both business and sustainability perspectives, preparing you for careers that drive climate resilience and responsible business practices.
Career Outlook: Sustainability and Climate Business Professionals in the U.S.
313K
Number of jobs in 2023*
23K
Est. job openings through 2033*
$207K
Median annual salary in 2023*
*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.
Next Start Date
October 26, 2026
Program Details
Online Learning
14 Months
Master's (36 Credits)
$550/credit (~$19.8k)
CAREER OUTCOMES
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Climate-Ready Business?
ESG Manager or Director
Lead corporate sustainability and ESG strategies across organizations.
Climate Risk Analyst
Assess climate risks and develop transition strategies for a low-carbon economy.
Climate Consultant
Advise organizations on integrating climate resilience into business strategy.
Climate Finance Specialist
Structure and manage investments that accelerate the transition to sustainable business models.
“Unity gave me the ability to just go out into the world…not to be confined to the classroom…”
“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.”
“Distance Education it’s not that expensive…you don’t have to pay for room and board.”
“Distance Education it’s not that expensive because it’s online. So you don’t have to pay for room and board or anything, so you can work full time. My classmates were fun. Even though we talked virtually, it was still fun. Classes are 8 weeks so it’s not like you’re taking a 16-week class. So you’re able to get your degree relatively quick.”
“In order to be fully present for my special needs child, I needed to be available at all times.”
I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
“…being a full-time single mom it gives me the time to be able to do my coursework on my time.”
“I really love my time at Unity because it allows me to take my courses online and being a full-time single mom it gives me the time to be able to do my coursework on my time.”
“…being able to directly apply what I’m learning in class to my actual work…was actually pretty exciting.”
“In working as a park ranger you talk with a lot of people everyday new faces every day so being able to directly apply what I’m learning in class to my actual work and my talking to my coworkers it was actually pretty exciting.”
“So going online through Unity was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
“So going fully online through Unity was one of the best decisions I ever made. In my undergrad, I was on campus full time and I worked a million jobs while also being a full time student, full time athlete. So going online through Unity was one of the best decisions I ever made. Just because working full time and being a full time student, it does take a lot.”
“Unity found me…and that’s my favorite thing to say. I was in a jet ski in the middle of the water and I decided to fill out a contact card because I found you guys on social media. Unity has helped me by coming to me and giving me the freedom to travel and giving me the freedom to still work and own a business and be a woman and still live my life freely while chasing my education.”
“…the opportunity to get a graduate degree in there and pivot my life…”
“Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been a water person and when I learned about Unity and the opportunity to get a graduate degree in there and pivot my life in that direction I like jumped on it.”
“Unity allowed me to work full-time while also going to school full-time…”
“Unity allowed me to work full-time while also going to school full-time I didn’t have to try to choose between making a living and going to school I liked how Unity doesn’t necessarily have a set schedule of you have to go on to a zoom class at a certain time it allows for a lot of flexibility in your life.”
I am beyond grateful for the help that your concierge gave me so I could keep pursuing my dream
I am beyond grateful for the help that your concierge gave me so I could keep pursuing my dream of higher education. When other colleges told me “Sorry, there’s nothing we can do, money problems are your own,” he helped me find a way. So grateful and excited to be at Unity!
“…with (Unity) being totally online, it helps create flexibility for my schedule.”
“It was tough to be able to go in person in the class but now with (Unity) being totally online, it helps create flexibility for my schedule. I was able to get my degree while having a newborn baby and working 40 hours a week.”
“…yes I can learn. I can learn in all these different types of ways. I can learn this material.”
“I was able to learn in a way that I’ve actually been wanting to learn in a very long time. And especially with being neurodivergent ever since I was a kid. That made a huge impact on me. To really show that it’s just, like, yes I can learn. I can learn in all these different types of ways. I can learn this material.”
“Distance Education is what you make of it… I wanted to apply it to my career.”
“Distance Education is what you make of it and the way that I wanted to take it was I wanted to apply it to my career. I work in habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. Not only did that help me learn more about how I can use my resources and expand all different types of this field, but it also helped me with time management and just overall professionalism”
“Unity has been one of the best academic experiences I’ve ever had.”
“Unity has been one of the best academic experiences I’ve ever had. Being able to pick and choose my schedules, what classes I was taking. When to take them, how to take them. Made it so much more accessible. I was allowed to still do the things that I loved, whether it be going for a hike, going outside. I was still able to do all of those things while still doing research at different organizations. So it was really nice to kind of get that full opportunity to do everything at once.”
“…the project-based learning aspect made me get inspired more about the content.”
“I actually really did like that about Unity is every single class had a course project. Which I felt like was a great way to dive into the content and the field. Even if you don’t have a ton of background experience in it and I felt like the project-based learning aspect made me get inspired more about the content.”
“…it wasn’t just my degree…it was their degree too that I was learning.”
“We had people from different master’s degree paths in the same classes and it was so cool to see how we thought differently and what we prioritized and all that. So that helped to build that knowledge base that I was really looking for. Because it wasn’t just my degree and what I was learning it was their degree too that I was learning.”
“…I wanted something that really resonated with what I feel. What I stand for.”
“I really love the fact that Unity is so environmental centric. You know I wanted something that really resonated with what I feel. What I stand for. What I believe in. So you know working in the animal field and having a degree from Unity in an animal field is amazing cuz not many not many schools offer that and I think it’s fantastic.”
“I always had a team that was helping me. And because of that, I feel I was able to thrive.”
“My favorite thing about Unity is connection. I really like the fact I never went a day without getting my question answered. I always had a team that was helping me. And because of that, I feel I was able to thrive.”
“I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning.”
“Before attending Unity, I was attending my local state university and working at a local farm. I saw an advertisement online about Unity and after looking more into the mission and goals of the college, I knew that this was where I needed to be. I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning. Once enrolled, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. I have never had a school that has aligned with my personal interests, goals, and ideologies until Unity. I feel this college represents what I stand for and shares the same passions that I have for the environment and its conservation.”
Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.
Start YOUR journey to success today!
“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.”
Hunter always knew that his future would involve working to protect the natural world. His journey led him to Unity, thanks to a family connection, one of his relatives had graduated from Unity in the early 1990s and recommended it as a perfect fit for someone with his love for the outdoors.
Hunter, chose Unity’s Distance Education program, which allowed him to stay close to his Maryland home while caring for his ill father. Sadly, his father passed away during his first year at Unity, but Hunter knew his father would have wanted him to continue his education. Now, his mother is his biggest supporter as he works toward his B.S. in Wildlife Conservation, a degree that fits his goal of working for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “I want to build a career in conservation and wildlife management, and this program aligns perfectly with my long-term goals,” explains Hunter.
One of the standout experiences for Hunter at Unity has been his Transformational Leadership course with Professor Carson. The course had a lasting impact, helping him discover his leadership style and how to drive positive change in various contexts.
“Professor Carson’s approach was both challenging and inspiring. He pushed us to think critically about leadership and how it applies not just in conservation but in any job or life situation. The skills and concepts I’ve gained will be invaluable throughout my career.”
Unity’s supportive and diverse community has played a key role in his positive experience. “I’ve had the chance to collaborate with people from all kinds of backgrounds, and the support from both students and professors has been incredible,” Hunter shares.
The Distance Learning program has allowed Hunter to balance his studies with his responsibilities at home, and he is on track to graduate on time.
“Unity has truly boosted my self-confidence and made learning enjoyable,” Hunter concludes. “I can’t wait to see where this path takes me.”
Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.
Start YOUR journey to success today!
“Unity was a godsend when it came to financial aid and actually all of my finances…”
“Unity was a godsend when it came to financial aid and actually all of my finances throughout my journey. I was already working two jobs, so I really didn’t know how I could fit in any more… bringing any more income in plus being able to take on school. They assured me that my part of just filling out the FAFSA application, that’s all I needed to do and that they would send me everything completed already and I would just have to initial the offer that was given to me. And that’s exactly what happened. And because they don’t raise your class prices, it makes a huge difference when the cost of living keeps changing.”
“It…contradicted that myth that an online program is just going to be sitting at a computer.”
“Every semester I was out in the field, whether it was for my wildlife identification course having to go out and take photographs, making life history charts, taking photos of anthropogenic changes within my community, or developing my capstone project. I spent two weeks going out and taking pictures of that and my coworkers had to deal with me saying ‘oh look what I found’ every single day. It was something that contradicted that myth that an online program is just going to be sitting at a computer. You make your own adventure.”
una-advisor-laptop
“We don’t just teach students about things—they get up, go outside, and DO the things they’re meant to learn.”
“Everybody here genuinely cares behind the scenes behind the screens, everybody has heard your story. They know where you’re coming from and they 100% do their best to help you along your journey and everybody is so authentic and truly means when they say they want to help you they really do want to help you.”
I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education. I chose Unity because of the 100% online option offered, Distance Education.
What you’ll learn
Understanding the Intersection of Business and Climate Resilience
Analyze climate risks and develop business strategies that integrate sustainability, resilience, and long-term value creation
Understand and apply ESG frameworks, climate policy, and green finance principles to drive responsible business decisions
Integrate systems thinking and behavioral economics to design innovative, climate-ready business models and operations
Apply leadership and change management skills to guide organizations toward sustainable and climate-resilient futures
Education with impact. Affordable Tuition. Simplified Financial Aid.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Take action for climate and help build a more climate-ready business future.
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: $19,800
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.
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
PhD in Business
Tomeika Williams
Global Expert in Accounting and Business Management
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
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.
More Stories
Jeff Gowdy
Global Expert in Sustainability and ESG
Tomeika Williams
Global Expert in Accounting and Business Management
Maya Jabar
Global Expert in Social Entrepreneurship and Business Transformation
FAQ
Have Questions About the Sustainable Master of Business Administration 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.
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 Sustainable Master of Business Administration in 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.
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.
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
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.
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Free Application. No Essay or Exams. Financial Aid Available.
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