Monash launches new degree to equip future leaders for the climate transition

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Monash University has announced the launch of a groundbreaking new degree, the Bachelor of Climate, Society and Economy (BCSE), designed to shape the next generation of climate leaders for a rapidly transforming economy. Monash is offering students an opportunity to harness their passion for climate change and turn it into a career with real-world impact.

The unique degree, set to welcome its first cohort in February 2027 is an unprecedented partnership between the Monash Faculties of Arts, Science, and Business and Economics. It moves beyond traditional siloed study to offer a truly interdisciplinary approach that prepares graduates to lead Australia’s urgent climate transition.

Dr Svenja Keele, Director of Teaching and Learning at Monash’s School of Social Sciences, said the Bachelor of Climate, Society and Economy directly addresses the findings of the 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey, which show that climate change is a mainstream concern for a majority of young people in Australia.

“Students told us they want a career that makes a genuine difference. They want skills and opportunities to contribute to solutions but often lack the confidence to pursue clear career outcomes in a new professional landscape being reshaped by climate risk. This degree is the ‘climate multiplier’ they’ve been looking for. We are moving beyond distress toward meaningful action.”

Australia is facing a significant shortage of 'green' skills. According to the Linkedin Global Green Skills Report 2024, global demand for green talent is growing at +11.6%, while supply is increasing at only +5.6%. The BCSE addresses this gap by creating not just more climate specialists, but a new wave of climate-capable professionals sitting at the intersection of expertise across the social, economic and scientific dimensions of this crisis.

Mrs Caroline Sanz-Veitch, Senior Lecturer (Practice) in the Faculty of Business and Economics, said employers are increasingly demanding graduates who can translate climate intelligence and systems understanding into decision-making, work across sectors, communicate complex issues, and manage organisational transitions.

“As average extreme weather losses double to $4.5 billion annually in Australia, climate risk is now a business issue. Therefore the ability to understand and navigate climate risk has become an essential skill for professionals in every industry.”

Unlike traditional degrees that study only parts of the climate challenge, the BCSE focuses on the 'whole challenge'. Through a dynamic blend of coursework, projects and global experiences, the core curriculum integrates rigorous climate science, policy, economics, communications, statistics, and ethics.

Students can then specialise in distinct, career-focused streams including:

  • Sustainable Business (ESG reporting, sustainability consulting/management, responsible governance)
  • Global Insecurity & Development (International policy, climate justice)
  • Biological Systems (Ecosystem resilience, nature-based solutions)
  • Economics (Energy markets, sustainable finance)

Professor Richard Reina, Deputy Dean Education, Faculty of Science, said graduates will be prepared for high-demand, high-salary career pathways, with projected average entry-level roles in government policy, corporate sustainability, Environmental Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, climate consulting, and clean energy transition.

“As AI automates routine analytical tasks, workforce demand is shifting toward distinctly human skills that are difficult to automate: critical thinking, ethical judgment, and problem-solving. This degree sits precisely at that intersection, preparing students to blend technological change with social, environmental, economic, and policy expertise.”

Find out more about the new Bachelor of Climate, Society and Economy (BSCE) here.