Environmental Studies ,BA
Climate, Conservation, Earth Science, Ecology, Environment, Environmental Science, Global Warming, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), sustainability
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Environmental Science.
Gain diverse and practical skills in science, communication, critical thinking and leadership to address the complex issues affecting land, air and water systems.
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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
- Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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.
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.
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$73,010
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$80,730
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
2.9%
|
$94,980
|
|
|
1.6%
|
$76,780
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
5.4%
|
$78,850
|
School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
|
FAB N101
MNSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
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.
