Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Master of Professional Science
Next start date is June 3. No GRE needed and applying is free!!
Master sustainability leadership
to shape the future and your career.
Begin your sustainable career journey in a program tailored for eco-conscious individuals like you, blending in-depth environmental knowledge with a laser focus on sustainable practices.
Engage in sustainability projects, applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios and honing your ability to craft practical solutions for a sustainable future. Dive into a curriculum that empowers you to develop sustainable solutions and policies, ready to implement environmentally friendly practices across diverse industries.
Seize this opportunity to not just study environmental sustainability but actively contribute to a greener world. Enroll now and actively shape a future where every skill learned propels you into a thriving job market and a planet where sustainability takes center stage.
Program Overview
Sustainability science is a problem-based, solution-oriented framework for creating a resilient civilization. The framework combines technical sustainability with skills based in the social sciences and humanities to create effective change agents who can work within the context of political, economic, and cultural concerns. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change is emphasized along with biodiversity conservation, resource conservation, and mitigation of pollution. Students within this track should expect to explore, debate, and research possible solutions to climate change from a variety of viewpoints.
Career Outlook
Earn your degree.
Unlock new opportunities.
Median pay for sustainability program directors in 2018.
Projected 10-year growth of sustainable-community planners.
Median salary of Unity Environmental University Environmental Studies and Sustainability alumni working in their field.
Median pay for sustainability program directors in 2018.
Projected 10-year growth of sustainable-community planners.
Median salary of Unity Environmental University Environmental Studies and Sustainability alumni working in their field.
*Source: Burning Glass Technologies. “Labor Insight™ Real-Time Labor Market Information Tool.” Updated March 11, 2020.
Experiential and Immersive Coursework
Community Planning for Resiliency
It is increasingly essential that we couple our greenhouse gas reduction actions with preparations for climate extremes and other changes both expected and unexpected. Students will work through a planning project that focuses on assessment, vulnerability, sustainability, and resilience in a case study of their choosing. Students will choose and assess a community and assess the vulnerability. They will research and propose how to increase resilience and improve the sustainability of the area.
Leading Sustainable Change
Students will work to become sustainability leaders in the world today. Implementing a plan for change is important, but having the ability to create a personal and professional structure is an essential skill that will build the ability to continuously lead, learn and refine. Students will develop a personal leadership development plan using a sustainability assessment and SWOT analysis that will be used to communicate with stakeholders.
Thinking in Systems
Essential to careers in environmental sustainability, students will learn to apply systems thinking and analysis techniques to a system. They will choose a system of interest that they will thoroughly review in order to evaluate flows, stocks, parameters and variables. Students will discover how to incorporate or leverage social systems to create better outcomes. They will present recommendations for actions based on systems insights.
Degree Requirements and Courses
The Master’s in environmental studies and sustainability 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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
- SBUS 515 Ecological Economics
- SUST 505 Thinking in Systems
- SUST 510 Climate Dynamics
- SUST 515 Leading Sustainable Change
- SUST 520 Community Planning for Resiliency
For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
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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.
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How many credits can I transfer?
Apply online (it’s free!) and a distance education concierge will reach out to create an individualized plan for transferring your credits. We will consider up to nine transfer credits for our graduate programs.
Program Features
+ Career Focus – Unity ranks in the top 15% of colleges for social mobility according to CollegeNET. Demand for employees with green skills is growing daily, and the sustainability core in every master’s program at Unity means that you’ll graduate with an environmental consciousness applicable to every career path.
+ Earn While You Learn – Our asynchronous model is designed to provide flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments.
+ World Renowned Faculty – Learn from faculty who are working in their field, bringing their professional network and real-world insights into the virtual classroom, fostering valuable connections for your future career.
+ Applied Learning – You’ll be required to engage your local community and environment while completing your master’s degree, giving you practical, hands-on experience while allowing you to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.
+ Personalized Support – You can rely on one-on-one professional advising, career support from your first day, unlimited mental health counseling, and more.
Experts in the Field
At Unity Environmental University, our Faculty is comprised of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.
Dr. Tamara Lawless
Instructor of Environmental Justice
Embark on a sustainability journey with Dr. Tamara Lawless—a trailblazer in shaping change! Holding a Ph.D. in Sustainability from Arizona State University, Tamara’s expertise spans water scarcity, climate resilience, social justice, and more. With a belief in community-driven solutions, she transforms fieldwork into impactful lessons.
From combating childhood obesity to addressing food insecurity, Dr. Lawless is more than an educator—she’s a mentor empowering students to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability. Ready to dive into the heart of environmental solutions? Join Dr. Lawless and let sustainability become your compass in navigating a brighter future!
Faculty Profiles
Seek out knowledge.
Learn from leaders.
Ready to Learn More?
Fill out the form below to speak with someone at Unity about the Distance Education programs. We look forward to hearing from you!
Last Updated on March 29, 2024
