Master's of Climate Change Leadership

100% Online Degree

Master the Future: Lead the Fight Against Climate Change

The climate crisis demands bold, solution-driven leaders who can inspire action and create lasting change. The University of New England’s Master’s of Climate Change Leadership (MSCCL) is designed to prepare you for a meaningful career at the forefront of climate solutions. Fully online and accessible to learners from all academic and professional backgrounds, this 34-credit program provides the skills and interdisciplinary knowledge you need to drive impactful change.

With no prerequisites and a flexible format, this program welcomes recent graduates eager to start a career, professionals pivoting into climate-focused roles, and lifelong learners inspired to lead. You’ll gain expertise across disciplines—such as marine science, public health, and sustainable business—while developing practical leadership skills to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges.

As part of the first core course, you’ll engage in three real-time online sessions designed to connect you with academic experts, instructors, and peers. These dynamic sessions are more than just meetings; they are opportunities to build a vibrant learning community, participate in virtual field trips, and explore key concepts with leading voices in the field. This experience lays the foundation for your success in the program and beyond, ensuring you feel supported and prepared from day one.

Program Highlights:

  • Total Credits: 34
  • Time to Completion: 2.5 to 4 years
  • Course Length: Combination of 8 to 16 week courses
  • Intake: Start class in Spring, Summer or Fall
  • Delivery: 100% Online
  • Concentrations: Marine, Public Health or Sustainable Business

Whether you’re ready to advance your career or start a new journey, the MSCCL program empowers you to become a force for action and innovation in a rapidly changing world.

Take the first step toward leading climate solutions. Apply today and join a community of changemakers shaping a sustainable future.

Launching in Fall 2025.

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Why Choose the UNE's Master's of Climate Change Leadership?

Career-Focused

Career-Focused

Specialize in Marine Science, Public Health, or Sustainable Business to align with your goals.

Low Barriers to Entry

Low Barriers to Entry

No prior experience or specific prerequisites are required.

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary

Gain expertise that spans environmental science, policy, health, and business.

Flexible Online Format

Flexible Online Format

Complete courses at your pace—anytime, anywhere.

Solution-Driven

Solution-Driven

Learn to lead initiatives that address today’s most pressing climate issues.

Master's of Climate Change Leadership Concentrations

The online Master’s of Climate Change Leadership program at UNE offers three specialized concentrations to align with your career goals:

  • Marine Science: Explore the science and management of marine environments, including topics like aquaculture, coastal adaptation, and marine policy.
  • Public Health: Examine the global health impacts of climate change with a focus on public health challenges and environmental emergency management.
  • Sustainable Business: Build expertise in sustainable business principles and practices, guided by UNE’s innovative College of Business.

Each concentration equips you with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills needed to lead impactful change in your chosen field.

Master's of Climate Change Leadership Outcomes

Graduates of the Master’s of Climate Change Leadership program will:

  • Analyze the complex impacts of climate change on the environment, public health, and business at regional and global levels.
  • Evaluate sustainability challenges and opportunities using natural, social, and ecological frameworks.
  • Apply interdisciplinary and scientific approaches to address the multifaceted nature of climate change.
  • Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills to drive solutions across diverse sectors.
  • Integrate science, public health, and business insights through a capstone project focused on real-world climate challenges.

This program equips you with the tools to lead and inspire change in a world that urgently needs innovative climate solutions.

Master's of Climate Change Program Leadership

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Dr. Charles Tilburg is the Director of the School of Marine & Environmental Programs, Director of the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center, and Doherty Chair of Marine Sciences Research at the University of New England. He received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas and a PhD in Oceanography from Florida State University. He has twenty-five years of research and teaching experience in physical oceanography, numerical modeling, climate change science, and bio-physical coupling of marine systems. He has more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and procured more than five million dollars in research funding. Charles taught in the Marine Science departments of the University of Georgia and the University of New England before becoming Director of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs. His true passion is helping train the next generation of climate change leaders.

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Dr. Cameron Wake is Director of the University of New England’s Center for North Atlantic Studies (UNE North) where he connects and engages UNE students, faculty, and staff with external partners to build and sustain healthy communities, healthy environments, and thriving economies by fostering innovative and sustainable solutions. He joined UNE in 2023 and brings 35 years of experience in directing interdisciplinary research programs focused on regional climate change and sustainability and addressing climate challenges at the local to regional level by engaging deeply with community partners. He also chairs the Climate Adaptation Committee in Kittery, Maine.

He is an author on over 100 papers published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature and over 30 reports, has provided hundreds of interviews for state, regional and national media, and has testified on the topic of regional climate change before the U.S House of Representatives. His collaborative research on regional climate assessments in the northeast has been covered widely in the media and cited as motivation for policy action.

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Dr. Carol Ewan Whyte is the Director of the Graduate Programs in Public Health (GPPH) within the College of Professional Studies at the University of New England (UNE). In this role, she oversees the operations of UNE’s graduate-level public health programs – the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) and the Master of Public Health (MPH).
Dr. Ewan Whyte has several years of experience working with underserved women, children, and families worldwide and in the United States (US). She has worked with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to examine the effect of biological, chemical, and environmental factors on pregnancy and infant and child development and with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study cancer health disparities.
Dr. Ewan Whyte enjoys sharing her knowledge and working with students. Before UNE/GPPH, she was an Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and is currently an Associate Teaching Professor in GPPH.

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Dr. Jeremy Pare teaches Leadership, Change Management, Business Strategy, and Environmental Law and Policy with a focus on sustainability management. He has worked with many industries including healthcare, biotech, food manufacturing, boat builders, hospitality, textiles, tier 1 automotive suppliers, federal, state, and local governmental agencies, and nonprofits. He serves on multiple nonprofit climate leadership boards and provides training and coaching to for-profit businesses, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. He is a certified behavioral specialist on DISC, scrum leader, lean greenbelt, and leadership challenge facilitator and is a member of B Academics and the National Association of Environmental Managers.

Master's of Climate Change Leadership Admissions

At UNE Online, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. Our MBS Program draws applicants from diverse backgrounds and a rich variety of academic experiences. Successful students have natural perseverance, an inclination to take on new challenges and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities. We review applicants in a comprehensive manner, taking into consideration their previous academic coursework and application materials.

Admission Requirements:

  • Degree: A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
  • GPA: Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.

Application Process:

  • Complete online application (no fee required)
  • Goal Statement: Please tell us how the MSCCL program will help you reach your educational and or health professional goals. (Approximately – 250 words +/-)
  • Undergraduate transcript showing conferred bachelor’s degree

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

For additional information or if you need assistance with the application process, please contact an Enrollment Services representative at onlineadmissions@une.edu, 855-325-0896.

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    Master's of Climate Change Leadership Curriculum

    The online Master’s of Climate Change Leadership (MSCCL) program at UNE Online is designed for working professionals, offering:

    • Flexible, 34-credit curriculum: Complete in 2.5 to 4 years, with online courses delivered in 8- or 16-week formats and three annual start dates.
    • Comprehensive coursework:
      • Foundational courses, e.g., Foundation of Climate Change Leadership and Change Leadership & Sustainability.
      • Advanced topics, e.g., Climate Crisis and Environmental Public Health.
      • Research-focused courses, e.g., Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Mixed Methods Analysis.

    Real-Time Online Meetings

    The first core course includes three required real-time online meetings, designed to:

    • Create a learning community by engaging with peers and instructors in real time.
    • Introduce students to the program’s academic experts and instructional team.
    • Offer unique experiences like virtual field trips.
    • Enhance the program’s value by fostering meaningful connections and interactive learning opportunities.

    Capstone Project Seminar

    • Students receive ongoing support from faculty mentors throughout the Capstone Project, from conceptualization to final presentation.
    • The capstone focuses on actionable research, empowering students to drive real-world climate solutions.

    With asynchronous course delivery for the rest of the program, students can balance studies with their personal and professional lives while gaining the expertise to lead in the dynamic field of climate change.

    Sample Curriculum Overview:

    • Foundations of Climate Change Leadership — Gulf of Maine Case Study (16 weeks)
    • Change Leadership and Sustainability (8 weeks)

    • Climate Crisis: Science, Impacts, and Solutions (16 weeks)
    • Environmental Public Health (8 weeks)
    • Elective (8 weeks)
      • Coastal & Marine Ecology
      • One Health
      • Environmental Economic & Practical Accounting

    • Interdisciplinary Research Methods & Data Analysis (16 weeks)
    • Graduate Remote Sensing & GIS (8 weeks)
    • Elective
      • Advanced Oceanography
      • Global Health
      • Climate Value Change Management

    • Elective (8 weeks)
      • Coastal & Marine Policy
      • Emerging Impact of Climate Disasters
      • Strategy and Sustainability
    • Elective (8 weeks)
      • Marine Adaptation & Mitigation
      • Emergency Management
      • Sustainable Operations

    • Capstone (16 weeks)

    Master's of Climate Change Leadership Tuition and Fees

    Tuition for the University of New England Online Master’s of Climate Change Leadership is competitive among other schools at $660/credit.* Because all of our courses are delivered 100% online, you will not incur the cost of traveling to campus or relocating to complete your degree.

    *Note: Tuition is subject to change. Listed tuition does not include the cost of fees, books, other learning resources, or additional credits, etc. that may be required. While travel will not be required for didactic coursework, travel may be required for completion of the advanced practice residency and components of the doctoral research project.

    Cost per
    Credit: $660

    # of Credits: 34

    Typical Cost: $22,440

     

    Application Fee (non-refundable)
    Free
    General Services Fee (per semester, non-refundable for matriculated students)
    $80
    Tuition (per credit hour)
    $660
    Technology Fee (per semester)
    $160
    Registration Fee (non-matriculated students per semester)
    $30

    Faculty

    The University of New England Online’s Master’s of Climate Change Leadership faculty and staff are top-notch. They are a team of dedicated professionals who are active and respected in the field.

     

     

    Student Support & Resources

    The College of Professional Studies (CPS) has a robust support team. Each student has access, from the time of application, to specialists who are actively engaged and knowledgeable about the program’s curricula and about specific courses and programs of study. Qualified faculty and/or staff facilitate student progress, and there are multiple opportunities to identify and support those who may experience difficulty in progressing through courses or completing other degree requirements.

    FAQ

    The average completion time for the Master’s of Climate Change Leadership program typically takes 5 semesters (2.5 years) to complete. Some students may complete the program sooner, depending on overload or transfer credits.

    Yes. University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE). To learn more, please see http://www.une.edu/provost/accreditation/.

    Yes, the program is offered 100% online with no campus visits required. When you graduate, you are welcome to come join our on-campus Commencement ceremony!

    Yes, as long as the prerequisites to your chosen program have been met for application. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility and prerequisite requirements for their desired program of choice.

    Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum nine semester credits) into the program. Transfer credit requests will be reviewed by the admissions committee for approval.

    Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness.

    You may begin the application process prior to completing your undergraduate degree, however you must receive a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to the start date of your choice.

    The Master’s of Climate Change Leadership program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and are passionate about building impactful careers in addressing climate change. It is ideal for those coming from related fields such as environmental studies, marine science, public health, or business, but also welcomes individuals from unrelated disciplines, as no specific prerequisites are required.