UNE introduces innovative Master of Science in Climate Change Leadership
The University of New England College of Professional Studies (UNE Online) is introducing a new graduate degree program designed for those who want to work on the forefront of climate solutions.
Launching in fall 2025, UNE Online’s new Master of Science in Climate Change Leadership (CCL) will prepare bold, solution-driven leaders who can inspire action and impact lasting change. Accessible to learners from all academic and professional backgrounds, this 34-credit online program provides the skills and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to drive impactful change.
With no prerequisites and a flexible format that includes online classes as well as opportunities for meeting via Zoom, this program welcomes students eager to start their careers, professionals pivoting into climate-focused roles, and lifelong learners inspired to lead. Students will gain expertise across disciplines — such as marine science, public health, and sustainable business — while developing practical leadership skills to shape the future, lead on climate change action, and tackle the earth’s most urgent challenges.
Students will engage in real-time, online cohort-based sessions designed to connect them with academic experts, instructors, and peers. These dynamic sessions are opportunities to build a vibrant learning community, explore frameworks that work for real action on climate change, participate in virtual field trips, and explore key concepts with leading voices in the field.
Cameron Wake, Ph.D., director of UNE’s Center for North Atlantic Studies and director of the master’s in climate change leadership, says the program aims to equip participants with skills to collaborate and make an impact in organizations and communities, targeting both early-career students and experienced professionals.
“UNE’s climate change leadership program is truly an interdisciplinary degree designed from the ground up,” Wake said. “It fully integrates natural sciences, public health, and sustainable business into an education on climate change leadership that will prepare students to advance their careers and solve big problems that affect Maine and the world.”
Carol J. Ewan Whyte, Ph.D., M.Sc., director of UNE’s Graduate Programs in Public Health and an associate teaching professor in the CCL program, notes that the interdisciplinary approach will help students gain understanding on the complexities of climate change and how it impacts them directly.
“From the first course in the program, students will be introduced to the intersection of public health, marine science, sustainability, and leadership through case studies and real-time discussions with their peers, instructors, and academic experts aimed at developing solutions to big challenges,” she said.
“Climate leadership is a space about influence, and finding opportunities to change organizations from within,” remarked Jeremy Pare, LPD, M.S., assistant teaching professor of innovation and entrepreneurship in UNE’s College of Business, which, with a focus on experiential learning, engages students in enriching experiences that prepare them for leadership positions in a rapidly evolving global economy. “One goal of this program is to inspire our students to see themselves as leaders and envision opportunities to influence change through innovation.”
“This is the perfect program for continuing professionals who really want to make a difference in dealing with climate change,” said Charles Tilburg, Ph.D., director of UNE’s School of Marine and Environmental Programs. “This will be the number one issue impacting humankind in the next 50 years, and our program will prepare students for nontraditional careers that will meet current and emerging needs across many disciplines.”
Applications are now being accepted for the CCL program, with classes beginning in fall 2025. For more information or to apply, visit https://online.une.edu/masters-of-climate-change-leadership/