Earth and Environmental Sciences, BS
Explore the foremost issues currently confronting scientists in ecological well-being, climate dynamics and natural resources, and develop your capacity to improve the human condition, both present and future. Develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as you become a master learner and changemaker.
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.
Degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in Earth and environmental sciences provides you with broad training in the physical sciences, both in person and online. You explore Earth's life-sustaining surface environment. You examine the evolution of the Earth system with a process-oriented geosciences focus. Your studies emphasize the surface environment, oceans and climate, and implications for sustainable human societies. The program empowers you to help Arizona and the global community by addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the day. These include environmental health, climate change, and natural resource management.
You can focus your studies through elective tracks on climate and environmental change, environmental policy, sustainability, Earth resources, environmental management, or environmental education.
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 basic, quantitative methods of science 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, which will make them confident in their ability to demonstrate crucial skills for employment.
Apply basic, quantitative methods of science 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.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, Earth and environmental sciences students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
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 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 |
| Geologist | 5.1% | $101,920 | Learn more |
| Geology Professor | 2.4% | $103,170 | Learn more |
| Geospatial Intelligence Analyst | 2.1% | $122,570 | Learn more |
| Hydrogeologist | 8.2% | $167,220 | 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
Graduates are prepared to attend graduate school in the natural and environmental sciences, education, environmental journalism, environmental law, public policy and environmental management.
They are also well prepared for "green" professional careers in fields such as education, environmental reporting, public planning, environmental consulting, and natural resource management, and more technical positions, such as environmental scientist, in a variety of subdisciplines. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and corroborated by data reported by the Occupational Information Network, there are many career opportunities in growth areas available to graduates of this program.
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.
