Environmental Studies, BA
Build practical environmental expertise through coursework in ecology, environmental chemistry, spatial analysis and impact assessment. Customize your path with flexible science and social science electives spanning conservation, sustainability, policy, resource management and communication.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Environmental Science.
Degree description
Environmental Studies degree description
The study of human impact on the earth's ecosystems and resources has become increasingly important over recent decades. The Bachelor of Arts program in environmental studies is dedicated to preparing you to become a leader who finds, communicates and advocates for sustainable solutions to the critical environmental challenges posed by habitat loss, pollution and climate change.
This interdisciplinary degree program ensures that you are well versed in the evidentiary study of the earth system, including knowledge across biology, geology, chemistry, statistics and geographic information systems. Rounding out your preparation, the program includes a focus on management, ethics and policy implications, and communication skills necessary in various environmentally focused careers.
The program's distinguished faculty conduct research across the globe, and they'll engage you in the process of catalyzing positive changes that impact a rapidly changing world.
Why study environmental studies at ASU?
Many environmental studies programs lean primarily toward natural science or primarily toward policy, treating the two as separate tracks. This program brings those perspectives together. You study environmental science, ecology and chemistry while also exploring communication, leadership, governance and civic engagement. You can customize the courses you take to follow your interests.
Additional details
Get involved beyond the classroom through hands-on spaces and communities, including the Desert Restoration Zone, the Carbon Sink and Learning Forest, DUSTIEAIM, the ASU West Valley Community Garden, and the EARTH Club.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| BIO 320 Fundamentals of Ecology |
| LSC 322 Fundamentals of Ecology Laboratory |
| CHM 113 General Chemistry I |
| CHM 116 General Chemistry II |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze scientific information to explain the biological and chemical functioning of the Earth system.
- Apply their understanding of human decision making in planning for environmental solutions.
- Draw conclusions from real-world data using geographic information systems.
Analyze scientific information to explain the biological and chemical functioning of the Earth system.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
The natural world is complex and diverse, changing quickly from one biome to the next. The physical environment across the globe is highly varied, and so is the human treatment of it. Students who study abroad gain a deeper understanding of the global environment, how culture affects the environment and how to best communicate environmental research to a diverse audience.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students in the environmental studies program are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in study abroad programs provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Change Analyst | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Sciences Professor | 2.7% | $94,980 | Learn more |
| Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 3.6% | $76,780 | Learn more |
| Health Sciences Manager | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Hydrogeologist | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Soil Scientist | 6.7% | $78,850 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this environmental studies degree prepares you for
Career opportunities for graduates include employment in environmental policy, as well as management and leadership positions in federal and state agencies, local municipality planning offices, private consulting firms, and nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations. Graduates are also well qualified to pursue graduate studies in relevant areas of the natural sciences.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
MNSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
