COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Studies B.A. is an interdisciplinary and flexible degree program that prepares students to understand and address environmental issues through an integrated approach combining scientific, social, cultural, and human perspectives. The program is designed to provide a strong academic foundation by drawing coursework from both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Mathematics, while also allowing students to include relevant classes from other academic disciplines, giving them the flexibility to shape their studies based on individual interests and career goals. The curriculum typically includes core courses in environmental science and environmental humanities, along with specialized training in geographic information science (GIS), which equips students with valuable technical and spatial analysis skills. A key component of the degree is a capstone experience that emphasizes applied learning through high-impact projects, enabling students to engage with real-world environmental challenges and develop practical solutions. In addition, students complete at least six elective courses across areas such as natural sciences, environmental studies, social sciences, arts, or humanities, and they may choose to pursue an integrated concentration that combines different disciplines or earn a GIS certificate to enhance technical expertise. This program is particularly suitable for students who have broad academic interests or prefer an interdisciplinary approach, including those who may change their major during their studies but still wish to graduate on time, as well as those planning to pursue graduate studies in fields such as public administration, business administration, humanities, or leadership development. Throughout the program, students develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, academic writing, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, which enable them to analyze and respond effectively to complex environmental challenges. Graduates are well prepared for diverse careers in environmental management, conservation, policy development, education, advocacy, urban planning, public relations, and geospatial analysis. Overall, the degree builds adaptability, analytical ability, and practical experience, making graduates valuable contributors in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector industries focused on sustainability and environmental decision-making.