Report an accessibility problem

Environmental Science (Environmental Justice) ,BA

Environmental Science (Environmental Justice), BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Environmental Science (Environmental Justice)

Climate, Conservation, Earth Science, Ecology, Global Warming, Pollution, Sustainability, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecosystem, ethics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Do you have passion for equitable communities and healthy ecosystems? Develop advocacy skills to support marginalized communities who may experience disproportionate effects from pollution and learn how you can flex your science skills to influence environmental policies locally and globally.

Program description

The study of human impact on the earth's ecosystems and resources and how these impacts are distributed across communities and ecosystems has become increasingly important over the past 20 years. The BA program in environmental science with a concentration in environmental justice is dedicated to preparing students to find solutions to today's critical environmental challenges posed by pollution, resource access and climate change. Further, this concentration program provides students with a foundation in moral theories and social policies and with communication skills that prepare them to be advocates for marginalized communities, who may be disproportionately impacted by environmental issues and policies.

This degree 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 world-renowned faculty from the natural sciences, social sciences and philosophical fields of study conduct research across the globe, and they engage students in the process of creating new scientific policies that will positively impact a rapidly changing world.

Rounding out student preparation, the program includes a focus on the management and communication skills necessary in various environmentally specific careers.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

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.

Transfer options

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.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, environmental science 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.

Career opportunities

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
3.9%
$87,300
4.6%
$71,690
6.1%
$76,480
6.1%
$76,480
4.2%
$83,040
5.8%
$48,380
3.0%
$67,430
2.4%
$64,220
1.5%
$85,990
4.7%
$65,730
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

click back to top