Unity’s New Offerings Will Help Meet National Demand for More Environmental-Based Programming

Unity Environmental University is proud to announce the launch of two innovative programs aimed at addressing critical environmental issues. The University’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education and training to its students is reflected in these new offerings: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agroforestry and the Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience.

The Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry program is a unique interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge and skills from agriculture, forestry, economics, project management, and community engagement.

The program addresses the pressing environmental issue of land use, as conventional agriculture methods often lead to habitat destruction, reduced carbon sequestration, and excessive water usage. Through agroforestry practices, students will learn to increase crop yields while also promoting ecological, economic, and social sustainability.

In recent weeks, our news has been filled with distressing accounts of crops destroyed by flooding and worldwide record-breaking heat. It is during such challenging times that the value of agroforestry systems truly shines. Unlike conventional agricultural practices, agroforestry demonstrates remarkable adaptability, offering a unique capacity to shield crops from the ravages of extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and destructive floods.

“This means that farmers who use these practices are less economically vulnerable. And, in North America alone, the use of agroforestry practices has the potential to offset as much as 33% of our carbon emissions,” said Associate Vice President, Dr Jennifer Cartier. “This means that agroforestry can help people now by protecting their livelihoods and ensuring stability in food systems, and it can help people in the future by sequestering carbon and lowering the risks of continuous extreme weather events due to climate change.”

The MPS in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, societies, and economies. This program offers individuals the opportunity to understand climate change adaptation and resilience strategies to build stronger, more prepared communities and systems.

“Climate change is not the future. Climate change is now. In every town, in every industry, we are dealing with the impacts of a changing climate,” said Dr. Kelly Boyer Ontl, Dean of Graduate Studies. “Our goal must be to have climate adaptation become the standard way we operate when planning communities, managing ecosystems, and caring for people. Adaptation and resilience must become business as usual. With the knowledge gained from this degree, Unity graduates will be better prepared to understand climate change impacts and find ways to reduce the risks to people, animals, and the planet.”

Graduates will be prepared for careers in various sectors, including government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, where they can actively contribute to building resilient communities and working with vulnerable populations.

“Both programs exemplify Unity Environmental University’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and addressing critical environmental challenges. We encourage students from all backgrounds to enroll,” said President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury. “With projects that involve applying knowledge and skills to authentic and local problems, expert faculty, and a focus on real-world solutions, Unity students are poised to make a lasting impact in their fields and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.”

Prospective students can find more information about the programs and application process on Unity Environmental University’s website. Unity invites aspiring environmental leaders to join our community and be part of the solution to today’s most pressing environmental issues.