Environmental Science (Environmental Justice), BS
Do you care about people and the planet? Explore the connections between environmental science and justice. Sharpen your research and communication skills to advocate for both communities and ecosystems, preparing to create policies that promote fairness and protect natural resources for everyone.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences or MAT 270 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
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.
Degree description
Environmental Science (Environmental Justice) degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in environmental science with a concentration in environmental justice is dedicated to finding equitable solutions to the challenges posed by pollution, limited resources and climate change.
The study of human impact on Earth's ecosystems and resources has become increasingly important. This program is founded on established scientific research in organismal and ecosystem biology, chemistry, hydrology and water resources, and geographic information systems. This concentration applies an interdisciplinary approach to studying environmental issues from the perspective of moral theories, social systems and environmental research. Rounding out your preparation, the program includes a focus on the management, advocacy and communication skills necessary in various environmentally specific careers.
You are prepared to find equitable and innovative solutions to today's critical environmental challenges, including pollution and climate change, from the perspective of marginalized communities that may benefit from having their voices magnified. The program's distinguished faculty conduct research worldwide and engage you in creating new environmental policies and scientific knowledge that'll impact a rapidly changing world.
Why specialize in environmental justice at ASU?
Many environmental programs concentrate primarily on either environmental science or environmental policy alone. This program brings those perspectives together. You build scientific expertise while also exploring environmental justice, ethics, human rights and public policy. The result is a degree that helps you understand not only how environmental systems function, but also how environmental decisions affect people and communities. Opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, and capstone experiences further support the application of that knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
Get involved beyond the classroom through the EARTH Club and the ASU West Valley Community Garden.
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 |
| BIO 353 Cell Biology |
| BIO 422 Ecosystem Ecology |
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.
- Apply environmental science concepts to explain interactions among Earth systems and ecosystems.
- Conduct environmental investigations to address scientific questions.
- Evaluate environmental justice issues using environmental ethics, policy, and scientific evidence.
- Evaluate the implications of environmental policies and management decisions by applying environmental science research and evidence.
Apply environmental science concepts to explain interactions among Earth systems and ecosystems.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 is highly varied across the globe, 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 science program are able to tailor their experience to their distinct 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 a study abroad program 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioinformatics Scientist | 4.7% | $98,920 | 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 |
| Environmental Specialist | 6.9% | $55,090 | Learn more |
| Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 3.6% | $76,780 | Learn more |
| Forester | 2.2% | $76,400 | Learn more |
| Hydrologist | 1.5% | $96,600 | 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 justice concentration prepares you for
Graduates may apply their science research skills and knowledge to careers in wildlife and land conservation, sustainability, soil science, hydrology and water resources, environmental regulations and permitting, and environmental policy.
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.
