Environmental Studies (Environmental Justice) ,BA
Climate, Conservation, Earth Science, Ecology, Global Warming, Pollution, Science, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecosystem, ethics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2026. The previous name was Environmental Science (Environmental Justice).
Passionate about equity and the environment? Explore how access to clean air, water and green spaces connects to equity and justice. Build the skills to improve community well-being and create healthier futures through science, advocacy and action.
You learn about human impact on Earth's ecosystems and resources, and how these impacts are distributed across communities and ecosystems, in this increasingly important field of study. The Bachelor of Arts program in environmental studies with a concentration in environmental justice is dedicated to preparing you to find solutions to today's critical environmental challenges posed by pollution, resource access and climate change. This program concentration provides you with a foundation in moral theories and social policies, as well as communication skills that prepare you to be an advocate for marginalized communities that environmental issues and policies may disproportionately impact.
The program is founded on established scientific research in the areas of organismal and ecosystem biology, chemistry, hydrology and water resources, and geographic information systems. The program's distinguished faculty from the natural sciences, social sciences and philosophical fields of study conduct research across the globe and engage you in the process of creating new scientific policies that positively impact a rapidly changing world.
Rounding out your preparation, the program includes a focus on the management and communication skills necessary for various environmentally specific careers.
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.
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 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.
Graduates may apply their interdisciplinary science and social science research skills to careers in environmental policy, community education and advocacy, wildlife and land conservation, and community and urban planning.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$80,730
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
2.9%
|
$94,980
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$55,090
|
|
|
1.6%
|
$76,780
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$76,400
|
|
|
-0.1%
|
$96,600
|
|
|
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.
