Earth and Environmental Sciences, BA
Explore today's most pressing challenges in environmental health, climate change and natural resources, and develop your capacity to improve the human condition in the present and in the future. Develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as you become an environmental steward and changemaker.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or higher
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
The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and environmental sciences helps you understand the function and evolution of the world and the vulnerabilities of the environment. You receive broad training in physical science and geoscience, with an emphasis on understanding Earth's life-sustaining surface environment.
The program explores climate change, energy resources, natural hazards, ocean environments and implications for sustainable human civilizations, empowering you to help Arizona and the global community address many critical environmental challenges facing society.
Through elective tracks, you can focus your studies on climate and environmental change, environmental policy, sustainability, Earth resources, environmental management or environmental education.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| GLG 108 Water Planet |
| GLG 110 Dangerous World |
| GLG 111 Dangerous World Laboratory |
| SES 220 Biology of a Changing Earth |
| SES 225 Global Biogeochemical Cycles |
| GLG 305 Dynamic Earth |
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 scientific methods to analyze Earth-system and environmental data.
- Synthesize core concepts of Earth system science and societal factors to analyze linkages among Earth-system processes, environmental conditions, and human societies.
- Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary groups to evaluate societally significant environmental problems and propose viable solutions.
Apply scientific methods to analyze Earth-system and environmental data.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
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 physical environment is highly varied across the globe, and so is the human treatment of it. Global education programs enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the global environment, how culture affects the environment, and how to best communicate environmental research to a diverse audience. Programs are offered in a variety of countries 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 |
| Data Scientist | 34.6% | $120,230 | Learn more |
| Elementary Teacher | -0.4% | $63,970 | Learn more |
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | 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 |
| Forest Ranger | 13.1% | $56,870 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Middle School Teacher | -0.4% | $64,370 | 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
The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Geosciences Institute project strong job growth in environmental science and geoscience. Graduates are well prepared for "green" professional careers in fields such as environmental education, environmental reporting, public planning, environmental consulting and natural resource management. Graduates are also prepared for graduate school in related disciplines, such as natural and environmental sciences or education, environmental public policy and environmental management.
Career opportunities include these positions:
- conservation scientist or natural resource manager
- data analyst
- environmental monitoring and exposure assessor
- environmental or sustainability consultant or planner
- environmental protection or remediation scientist, consultant or manager
- environmental specialist, analyst or technician
- natural hazards assessment and mitigation specialist
- public policy and planning specialist
- science teacher
- water resources specialist
Career settings include:
- educational institutions
- environmental consulting firms
- environmental engineering firms
- federal, state and local government agencies
- museums
- nongovernmental organizations
- nonprofit organizations
- publishing companies
- regulatory agencies
- utility companies
For more information, please see thecareer opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.
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 Earth and Space Exploration
|
ISTB4 795
sese-advising@asu.edu
480-965-5081
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.
