Climate-Ready Business
Sustainable Master of Business Administration
Become a sustainability leader in a changing world
with a master's degree in climate-ready business.
Environmental challenges, especially climate-related ones, are no longer isolated from core business strategy; they are critical to an organization’s resilience and growth. The Climate-Ready Business program equips the next generation of business leaders with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainability into strategic decision-making. By connecting climate-related issues to business value — through risk mitigation, cost savings, revenue generation, and brand enhancement — this program empowers students to create real impact. Graduates will be prepared to address climate issues in diverse professional roles, enabling them to champion sustainable solutions that drive long-term success.
In the SMBA in Climate-Ready Business program you'll learn to:
- Assess climate-related risks and their impact on business performance
- Implement climate-related strategies to reduce operational expenses
- Explore climate-related revenue prospects and their effects on financial reporting and marketing
- Leverage climate opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and attract new clients
- Create strategies that foster collaboration across the value chain to address climate challenges
Career Outlook
What can I do with a master's in sustainability?
Careers for Climate-Ready Business graduates.
Chief Sustainability Officer jobs in the U.S., 2023
Chief Sustainability Office average pay, 2023
Projected Job Openings for Chief Sustainability Office jobs through 2033
Chief Sustainability Officer jobs in the U.S., 2023
Chief Sustainability Office average pay, 2023
Projected Job Openings for Chief Sustainability Office jobs through 2033
*Source: O-Net Online. 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.
Examples of online coursework in climate-ready business:
The Low-Carbon Economy
In this course, you will explore the transition to a low-carbon economy, examining the factors that drive and hinder this transformation, such as policies, NGO pressure, and customer expectations. Through theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical projects, you'll gain essential skills for your future career.
Climate Reporting
In this course, you will explore various climate-related reporting protocols and frameworks. You’ll research and compare multiple options to understand the complexity of reporting for companies. You will select one mandatory protocol, one voluntary framework, and one third-party rater to address for a chosen company.
Beyond Net Zero: Net Positive
In this course, you will examine the thresholds for sustainability, net zero, and net positive. You’ll explore planetary boundaries and the significance of climate issues. You will study the Future Fit Business Benchmark to understand net zero and develop a net positive plan for a chosen company.
Degree requirements and courses needed to earn a sustainable master's
The Sustainable MBA in Climate-Ready Business degree requires 36 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. For more details, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is sustainable leadership and 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.
Earning an SMBA in Climate-Ready Business Unity empowers graduates to become influential leaders in sustainability and climate action. Graduates will be prepared to navigate the complexities of climate policy, engage in environmental economics, and contribute to the development of robust climate action plans, positioning themselves as valuable assets in a rapidly evolving job market focused on sustainability leadership. -
What is a Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Climate-Ready Business?
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 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.
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How is an SMBA different than an MBA?
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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What courses will I take to earn a Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Climate-Ready Business?
SMBA Core: 21 credits
- PROF 510 Communication for Environmental Professionals
- PROF 515 Ethical Practice and Policy
- SUST 525 Making the Invisible Visible: The ESG Proposition
- 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
Apply online for free to get started.
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How fast can I finish my online SMBA in Climate-Ready 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. Contact your concierge or advisor to create your personalized plan.
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How much does it cost to receive an SMBA in Climate-Ready Business?
Getting your online leadership degree in Climate-Ready Business 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.
Why Unity for your master's in sustainability degree
+ 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.
Ready to learn more about the SMBA in Climate-Ready Business degree?
Fill out the form below to speak with someone at Unity about our Distance Education programs. We look forward to hearing from you!
