UPEI launches new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation as part of the Cleantech Academy

The University of Prince Edward Island officially launched its new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation (MCLT) program on March 24 in Georgetown, PEI. 

Approved earlier in March by the University’s Senate and in January by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the 16-month professional master’s degree combines environmental science and technology with a study of cleantech policy, regulations, equity, business, and Indigenous ways of knowing. Applications are now being accepted for the MCLT program.

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor, announced the program at an event hosted by the Cleantech Academy, a partnership between the Government of PEI, Holland College, and the University that aims to deliver unique interdisciplinary programming to train the next generation of leaders and innovators who will contribute to the growing cleantech sector. 
 

“The University is dedicated to sustainability in all of its work and is committed to delivering education across PEI that is relevant to Islanders, to Canada, and beyond,” said Dr. Rodgers. “That is why the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation is such an exciting initiative. The program is not only innovative in its topic area, but also in the partnerships that are supporting it.” 

This is the first time at UPEI that six faculties, the Robertson Library, and the Teaching and Learning Centre worked together to develop a graduate program—making it truly interdisciplinary—while the collaboration with Cleantech Academy partners also fits with the University’s mission to conduct research. 

“With our partner Holland College, we have created a pathway from their post-graduate certificate through to UPEI’s undergraduate programs and this master’s program, allowing learners to work in a variety of fields, continue on as researchers at the PhD level, or become professors,” Dr. Rodgers added. “I thank all of those who were involved in the development of the MCLT, which will support the development of cleantech leaders who will contribute to discovery, offering innovative and creative solutions to support a sustainable future.” 

The announcement also included remarks from Cory Deagle, Member of the Legislature for Montague-Kilmuir, representing the Hon. Gilles Arsenault, Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action; Debbie Johnston, Mayor of Three Rivers; Dr. Sandy MacDonald, President of Holland College; and Sandra Moore, Director of the Cleantech Academy and Innovation Centre. 

“As an Islander, I am proud to be a part of the launch of the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation, the first program of its kind in Atlantic Canada,” said MLA Cory Deagle. “Earning a degree in this field equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable innovations, which are so important to our communities and country. The PEI government remains committed to investing in partnerships, education, and innovation that supports and prepares the next generation of leaders to advance net-zero solutions.” 

After the announcement, Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President of Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at UPEI, moderated a panel discussion titled “From Vision to Action: The Future of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation.”  

Panelists, who were all members of the working group that designed the MCLT program, engaged in insightful discussions on their vision for cleantech innovation and education on PEI. The panel included UPEI faculty members Dr. Laurie Brinklow, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts, Institute of Island Studies; Dr. Pamela Courtney-Hall, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Philosophy; Dr. Nick Mercer, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Environmental Studies, and Faculty of Arts, Institute of Island Studies; Dr. Sébastien Parker, Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, Political Science/Sociology; Dr. Kuljeet Grewal, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering and Faculty of Science, School of Climate Change and Adaptation; and Dr. Tina Saksida, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research, McDougall Faculty of Business.  

The MCLT program includes entrepreneurship and leadership courses that culminate with a capstone project where student teams work alongside partners to solve real-world sustainability challenges. While the program will begin in September 2025 and be delivered at either UPEI’s Charlottetown or St. Peter’s Bay campus, it will eventually be housed at the Cleantech Learning and Innovation Centre, which is currently under construction in Georgetown.  

To learn more or to apply, visit upei.ca/cleantech