B.A. Environmental Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Environmental Studies

Explore key issues around water and the environment in a globalized world with this interdisciplinary degree.

About the Major

Geographers study place and the human-environment relations that shape and are shaped by the connections between these landscapes. Its interdisciplinary nature makes geography critical to understanding key issues, such as water and the environment, in today's globalized world. 

With a B.A. in Environmental Studies, you'll learn techniques to address the most pressing social science issues and also have the freedom to explore physical science techniques to round out your experience. Internships are integral to the major and credit can be earned for internships in the public, private and non-private sectors.

Areas of Study

You will begin your study with introductory core classes laying the foundation on the ideas, institutions, and history of environmental social sciences. You then continue your coursework in three areas:

  • Environmental sciences courses focus on the natural sciences, including climate, landscape, biogeography, and more.
  • Methods courses will engage you in the technologies applicable in environmental studies, such as statistics, geographic information systems, and remote sensing technologies.
  • Environmental social sciences and policy courses topics impacting the environment such as law, land development, economics, and ethics.

You will also complete a Senior Capstone project to showcase your accumulated knowledge and techniques learned from your studies. 

See Degree Requirements

Required Minor

All majors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences require a minor (or double major). We encourage you to seek out departments with courses that complement your area of study. Some of these areas of interest you may look into include: environmental science, economics, journalism, public policy and administration, and more.

Career Pathways

The knowledge you will gain with a B.A. Environmental Studies degree will assist you in pursuing exciting careers. Our graduates have taken on positions such as:

  • Science policy analyst
  • Sustainability specialist
  • Environmental economist
  • Environmental journalist
  • Park ranger
  • Environmental lobbyist

Plus many other emerging opportunities involving public policies and development.

What will I study in the EVS major? Students in the Environmental Studies have broad ranging interests and through coursework have the opportunity to put learning into action. One key class in the curriculum is EVS 260: Environmental Studies: Ideas and Institutions. Here are examples of videos produced for a class project by Environmental Studies 260 students that describe some of their work.

Kaleigh Brown (Environmental Studies Major) discusses her work in EVS 260 related to the University of Arizona Community Garden.

Kiera Eason (Sustainable Built Environment Major and preceptor for EVS 260) discusses opportunities to get involved with Sustainability issues at the University of Arizona. For more information see the UArizona Office of Sustainability