Environmental Studies, B.A.

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Description

Environmental Studies majors learn to analyze the problems of urban areas, develop solutions, build in more sustainable ways, explore policy issues, and understand the social context of environmental conflicts. Areas of study include groundwater protection, wetlands, pollution prevention, Geographic Information Systems, toxic land contamination, and the treatment of wastewater. Students learn analytical and management skills applicable to employment in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Graduates hold sustainability-focused managerial and administrative roles in governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. You may go on to hold positions including: Community Engagement Manager, Communications Officer, Environmental Advocacy, Environmental Health and Safety, Executive Director, GIS Specialist, Grant Manager, Land Use Planning, Planning Manager, Program Specialist, Research Assistant, Recycling Coordinator, Sustainability Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: analytical skills; problem-solving; critical-thinking; communication; management; and passion for public service.

Additional Information

Internship opportunities are available to all students, and scholarships are available to qualified students.
The Columbus Seminar provides on-site involvement in government.
A formal mentoring program is available in which juniors and seniors are paired with public service practitioners working in the student’s area of interest.
Students with substantial prior learning/professional experience may apply for credit through the Assessment and Accreditation of Prior Learning Experience program.
Opportunities to participate in small seminar groups, research projects, and online courses are available.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for the degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 39

School Requirements

Students must fulfill all School of Urban Affairs Requirements , including completion of UST 200 , UST 205 , UST 207 , and UST 404 .

Major Requirements

Environmental Studies majors are required to take the following courses or their transfer equivalents:

A. Required Courses

B. Natural Science Electives

Choose one course that includes a laboratory component. The combined credit hours for the course and lab should total at least 4 credits.

C. Other Electives

Choose two courses for a minimum of six credit hours.

Honors Program/University Scholars Requirements

Honors/Scholars students pursuing a major within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs (Community Planning, B.A. , Environmental Studies, B.A. , Nonprofit Administration, B.A. , Organizational Leadership, B.A. , Public Policy and Management, B.A. , and Public Safety Management, B.A. ) are required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of 300-400 level honors courses as described below.

Honors Thesis or Exit Requirements (choose one):

Honors/Scholars students may choose to pursue an Honors thesis, consisting of original research supervised by an Urban Affairs faculty member.
Honors/Scholars students may take UST 489 - Advanced Senior Seminar , UST 452 - Management of Urban and Nonprofit Organizations or another capstone requirement as a contract course.

The remaining 9 credit hours of Honors courses shall consist of any combination of contract courses and regular Honors offerings within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, with at least one course in the student’s major field.

Accelerated Graduate Programs

Qualifying undergraduates in the School of Urban Affairs may pursue an accelerated graduate degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning and Development, or Nonprofit Management. See Public Administration, Accelerated Master’s BA/MPA , Urban Planning and Development, Accelerated BA/MUPD , and Nonprofit Management, Accelerated Master’s BA/MNM for program requirements.