Ecopsychology and Human Resilience

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Build Resilience Where Nature and Mind Intersect

This degree explores the deep connection between human mental health and the natural world. Grounded in environmental and psychological science, the program prepares students to design and deliver nature-based interventions, address climate-related emotional impacts, and promote ecological well-being through community programs. This degree also offers strong preparation for graduate study in counseling or social work for students interested in clinical or community-based mental health careers.

Unity’s new Psychology of Human Behavior and Change degrees launch Fall 2025, and you can be among the first to join a new generation of psychology professionals focused on improving well-being through meaningful careers and graduate study.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in
Ecopsychology and Human Resilience?

63 K

Community Health Workers jobs in the U.S., 2023

$ 51 K

Community Health Workers average pay, 2024

+ 9 %

Projected growth for Community Health Workers jobs through 2033

*Source: ONet Online/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

In the BS in Ecopsychology and Human Resilience Program You’ll Learn To:

Explore the psychological connections between people and the natural world to better understand environmental identity.
Practice ecotherapy techniques and nature-based healing methods that enhance mental health and emotional well-being.
Analyze how individuals and communities emotionally respond to climate change and environmental disruption.
Create effective interventions that promote ecological resilience and inspire sustainable behavior change.
Support climate adaptation and social healing by leading community-based, nature-connected programs.

Apply Now

What Will You Study

Ecopsychology and Human Resilience
Course Examples

Harnessing Social Media for Environmental Change

This course will teach you how to use social media as a global branding and marketing tool, expose you to the analytic methods that can be used to convert social media data to marketing insights, and show you how social media data can be used to provide insights into market structure and consumers’ perceptions of the brand.

Shot of brainstorming session about social media.

Environmental Psychology

Students will develop the ability to analyze environment-and-behavior issues, think more critically about the world around you, and understand the ways that we wield influence on the environment.

View over the shoulder of a man talking to a woman.

Social Science for Environmental Professionals

In this course, you will learn an overview of social science research methodology and how to apply those concepts and tools to current environmental issues. Upon completion, you will gain skills in research, data analysis, data implementation, and communication.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Ecopsychology and Human Resilience

Ecopsychology and Human Resilience takes a look at how the health of the planet and the mental health of individuals are deeply interconnected. This field blends psychology, ecology, and community well-being to understand how nature influences emotional resilience, identity, and behavior. It focuses on using nature-based practices—like ecotherapy and place-based healing—to address mental health challenges, foster personal growth, and build community strength in the face of climate change and ecological disruption.

The BS in Ecopsychology and Human Resilience explores the deep connection between human mental health and the natural world. Grounded in environmental and psychological science, the program prepares students to design and deliver nature-based interventions, address climate-related emotional impacts, and promote ecological well-being through community programs. With a focus on healing, adaptation, and resilience, students are equipped to meet the growing need for practitioners who can respond to both personal and planetary stress with strength and creativity.

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.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 35 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits
Elective Courses: 3 credits
Program Core: 69 credits

Harnessing Social Media for Environmental Change
Understanding Diversity and the Environment
Social Science for Environmental Professionals
The Mind-Body Connection: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Applied Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Cultural Diversity
Environmental Psychology
Climate Emotions and Psychological Resilience
Psychology of Motivation and Behavior Change
Ecopsychology and Nature-Based Healing
Nature-Based Interventions for Human Resilience
Research Methods in Applied Psychology

Bachelor’s in Ecopsychology and Human Resilience Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The ecopsychology and human resilience degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. 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.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

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 8 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 surprised me the most with its 5-week class format, supportive instructors, and affordability….

Aleena N.
Unity Bachelor's Student

Read Aleena’s Full Quote

Aleena N.
Unity Bachelor's Student

“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.”

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

PhD, MS, BS in Animal Sciences

Dr. Milca Rosa Velazquez
Global Expert in Animal Science and Nutrition

Learn More About Dr. Rosa-Velazquez

Dr. Milca Rosa Velazquez
Global Expert in Animal Science and Nutrition

Dr. Milca Rosa-Velazquez is a passionate and compassionate Animal Scientist born and raised in Puerto Rico. She received an AS in Pre-Veterinary and a BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico. She later enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine at La Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. During her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to join a research exchange program with Salamanca University in Spain; it was then that her love for research began.

She received an MS in Animal Sciences from Veracruzana University in Mexico and a PhD from a sandwich program at the Ohio State University and Veracruzana University. Her research focuses on nutritional physiology, health, and epigenetics. It has demonstrated the importance of nutritional supplements in ruminant diets during gestation and its effects on pre- and postnatal offspring growth and health indices. She is an animal welfare advocate. She thinks it is a privilege to work with animals in research. “They are helping us to build a healthier and safer future. Therefore, as caretakers, we should ensure their experience is as pleasant and peaceful as possible.” When not conducting research or teaching, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. She considers herself a citizen of the world. She has lived in different countries, including Spain, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the USA. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and some German. These have allowed her to work and learn from wonderful researchers from all over the world, explore their different cultures and understand their challenges, and bring back home and everywhere she goes valuable knowledge. She is committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Learn from Leaders

PhD, Master’s, Bachelor’s in Poultry Science

Dr. Zachary Williams
Global Expert in Microbiology and Bacterial Pathogens

Learn More About Dr. Williams

Dr. Zachary Williams
Global Expert in Microbiology and Bacterial Pathogens

Dr. Williams has a Ph.D. from Auburn University, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Mississippi State University. All three degrees are in poultry science. Dr. Williams’s research activities include microbiology of broiler litter, and controlling bacterial pathogens with proper litter management. Developing better ways to conduct mass mortality composting (primarily poultry species) during a foreign animal disease outbreak.

Dr. Williams has two children ages 3 and 2. He is currently teaching them how to fish and enjoys going camping and playing with them. During his free time, he ties his own flies for fly fishing, enjoys to run, and is an avid reader.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition

Dr. Toree Williams
Global Expert in Equine Digestive Health, Reproduction, and Exercise Physiology

Learn More About Dr. Williams

Dr. Toree Williams
Global Expert in Equine Digestive Health, Reproduction, and Exercise Physiology

Dr. Williams has an Ph.D. in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition, a Masters in Natural and Applied Science, and a B.S. in Animal Science. In graduate school, Dr. Williams created the first and only band of dually cannulated ponies to examine nutritional and microbial aspects of the digestive tract. For her Masters, Dr. Williams developed an equine curriculum for high school and college level students across the state of Missouri. She has research in equine nutrition, reproduction, and exercise physiology.

Dr. Williams has worked in many equine industries, including reining, cutting, working cow horse, pleasure, hunters, polo, and even spent time on the grand prix jumping circuit. She has coached IHSA and Ranch horse teams at a collegiate level after riding with both programs during her time as an undergraduate.

Outside of horses, Dr. Williams has publications in caprine, bovine, poultry, veterinary, and even engineering journals. She loves teaching anything from biology to Agronomy to business. She loves Agriculture and spends time promoting it anyway she can.

Currently, Dr. Williams has taken a break from riding much, as she recently had two babies (2.5 and 1.5) and is soaking up every moment. She enjoys spending time hiking, camping, and traveling. She has been to 45 of the 50 states and hopes to have the others checked off the list.