Environment, Sustainability & Geography B.A.

The purpose of the environment, sustainability and geography degree is to prepare students to create sustainable communities for present and future generations. This program provides students with the tools to understand the physical and social systems of the earth to become informed change makers locally and globally. Sustainability challenges are all around us: from climate change, to vulnerabilities in the industrial food system, to the way we design cities. One of the fundamental hurdles in a transition toward sustainability is bridging the ecological and social sciences with decision-making. The program trains students to analyze the interwoven nature of social and ecological systems, and translate that knowledge into policies to enact change. Meaningful engagement with the world outside the classroom prepares students to comprehend and address these challenges. To this end, the program provides students with theoretical and hands-on instruction in ecological and social processes, mentoring, as well as opportunities for professional and real-world experiences through internships and applied research.

The program has three tracks that students may choose from: 1) General, 2) Geography, 3) Urban and Regional Studies. Are you concerned about the environment? Addressing climate change? Looking for an applied degree focused on sustainability? Concerned about justice and equity in society? Environment, Sustainability & Geography is the degree for you! We seek students who are creative, inquisitive, ambitious, and most importantly, interested in the world around us. Many of our students enjoy spending time in the outdoors, while others are interested in cities and urban environments. What they have in common is an interest in thinking about how humans affect environments and how choices today affect future generations. In order to provide the opportunity for real-world applications of skills learned in the classroom, our students do internship at local organizations, from urban planning agencies to environmental firms.

Program Learning Outcomes