Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Crafted for individuals like you, this program is your gateway to unlocking a career where your commitment to a sustainable future meets global impact.

Imagine gaining comprehensive expertise in climate change, diving deep into the science, impacts, and strategies for adaptation. Our MPS in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience equips you not just to understand climate change but to actively address it, empowering you to make a tangible difference in the world.

Embrace a cross-disciplinary approach that integrates insights from various fields, preparing you to navigate the multifaceted challenges of climate change. Connect globally with professionals and peers, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and potential collaborations, essential in today’s interconnected world.

As a graduate, envision yourself in a leadership role, guiding organizations and communities towards resilience and sustainability. This isn’t just an education; it’s your pathway to a career where every skill learned propels you into a thriving job market, contributing to a climate-resilient future.

Program Overview

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.

*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.

Experiential and Immersive Coursework

Decision-Making and Sustainability

Students 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 Change, Energy, and Community Needs

Students will assess climate-related hazards, impacts, risks, and vulnerability, drawing on climate science, and produce effective communication for a community through a project that evaluates traditional and sustainable power plants. Consider the climate impacts from construction to decommissioning and communicate your assessment to the community with a climate change primer and context for future discussions related to climate change.

Systems Thinking Research

Students 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.

Degree Requirements and Courses

The Master’s in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience requires 30 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. For a more comprehensive look into the program, download our program sheet or view our full course catalog. Apply online for free to get started.

• What is Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

  Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience is about preparing for and dealing with the effects of climate change. It’s like equipping yourself with tools to handle challenges caused by things like extreme weather or rising sea levels. In our program, you’ll learn how to assess these impacts and come up with smart strategies to lessen their effects. It’s not just about understanding the problem; it’s about actively finding solutions that help communities and the environment. Plus, it opens up exciting career opportunities where you can make a real difference in tackling climate change.
• What courses will I be taking?

  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 course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
• How much does it cost?

  Your online education should be affordable and manageable. 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.
• How fast can I finish?

  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.

Experts in the Field

At Unity Environmental University, our Faculty is composed of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.

Maria Dozier

Subject Matter Expert

Ignite your passion for climate action with Maria Dozier—an unstoppable force for change and lifelong advocate for climate adaptation and justice! As the Training Specialist at the American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP), Maria pioneers transformative education and coalition building. Her mission? To drive social change and empower the next wave of climate leaders.

With a B.S. in Sustainability and the Built Environment from the University of Florida and an M.S. from the University of Michigan, Maria’s academic arsenal is power-packed. Ready to dive into the frontline of environmental justice and policy? Connect with Maria at mdozier@adaptpros.org and be the change the world needs!