国产剧麻豆剧

Environmental Studies, B.A.

Environmental Studies, B.A.

Program Overview

Does your passion for writing, art, or activism align with your call to care for the environment? If so, 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies equips you to pair your talent and Christian worldview to address our planet鈥檚 climate crisis and create sustainable change.

Housed in 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 department of Literature, Journalism, Writing & Languages, the environmental studies program offers foundational courses in biology, the social and political sciences, and the arts and humanities 鈥 along with focused concentrations of study ranging from creative writing or literature to media arts or public policy 鈥 to give you depth of expertise as well as breadth of perspective.

As Jesus proclaims in Matthew 22:37-39, the two commandments which encompass all others are to love God and love neighbor. Cultural geographer Carolyn Finney claims it is necessary for humans to 鈥渦nderstand how our unhealthy relationships with the natural environment are intimately linked to our unhealthy relationships with each other.鈥 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 environmental studies program makes that link by providing cultural context, scientific foundation, and communication skills as they relate to humans and the environment. 

The goal of the environmental studies major is for students to develop compassion for all of creation and other humans by listening to and understanding the context of the human story across cultures; with foundational knowledge of ecosystems and the human relationship to them; with communication skills in writing, media, and verbal avenues; and with the agency to use these traits to serve in the world.

Choose one of the following concentrations: 

Biology

A strong background in the biology and chemistry of environmental systems empowers environmental justice with the ability to evaluate and use scientific data. With a concentration in biology, an environmental studies major can wield your biological expertise to educate and inform environmental social action. Careers include: sustainability officer, lab management, science writer.

Cultural Studies

Understanding where our current ideas about environmental and social justice come from is vital to having agency for positive change. Environmental studies majors with a cultural studies concentration will be able to identify, critique, challenge, or champion cultural stories and themes about humanity鈥檚 relationship with the environment. Careers include: teaching, nonprofit management, public relations.

Design

Good design can capture the imagination and bring about powerful change. With a concentration in design, environmental studies majors gain valuable skills in presenting information and arguments in a visually pleasing format to reach a wide audience for environmental change. Careers include: graphic design, science illustration, biodesign, branding.

Social Impact

Social service impacts the way the world works. With a social impact concentration, environmental studies majors will understand the structures and policies that govern our culture and find avenues of service that will let them be a powerful force for environmental change in the world. Careers include: law, urban planning, social work, public administration.

Writing and Communication

A clearly communicated idea has the most impact. With a writing and communication concentration, environmental studies majors will develop the skills to share their ideas and stories both in written and verbal outlets. Clear communicators can take the complexity of many environmental issues and present them for a wide audience to understand. Careers include: editing, writing, screenwriting, journalism, marketing.

Data, Diversity, and Discovery

A Day in the Life of an Environmental Studies Major
Should I Major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies?

A Voice for the Earth

A Day in the Life of an Environmental Studies Major Walk with Environmental Studies major, Miranda Williams, on what her day in the life looks like at Point Loma! Discover
Should I Major in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies? Discover how a degree in environmental science or environmental studies from 国产剧麻豆剧 can prepare you for a future career. Discover
Turning The Tide: Ensuring A World With The Ocean For Future Generations The ocean is under threat, read about how carelessness is destroying God鈥檚 creation, and what the rest of us can do to help.
国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 Catalina Ecology Trip Immerses Students in Nature When 国产剧麻豆剧 ecology students went on a trip to Catalina Island they came back with a fresh perspective on appreciating and stewarding creation.
Deep Understanding Towering over the sandy floor, they follow the flow of the ocean, yet stand firm in their place as essential pillars of the ecosystem. Across the soccer field, past Young Hall鈥檚 volleyball court, down the cliffs and into the white-capped waters, in the depths surfed by many 国产剧麻豆剧 students exist 鈥渢he redwoods of the ocean,鈥
Dr. Breeann Kyte Kirby Talks Environmental Studies on the Lomacast Podcast As a former research scientist turned writer, Dr. Kyte Kirby is firmly grounded in both science and literature, still working in both fields by facilitating collaborations between scientists, writers, and artists. Discover
4 Impactful Research Projects from 国产剧麻豆剧 Professors 国产剧麻豆剧 is home to a variety of talented and hardworking professors doing important research in San Diego and beyond! Here are 4 professors in the biology and chemistry departments whose projects stand out as creative, fascinating, and impactful. Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Environmental Studies, B.A. program, view the 国产剧麻豆剧 Catalog. 

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your 国产剧麻豆剧 journey? Whether you鈥檙e a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we鈥檙e looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At 国产剧麻豆剧, we鈥檙e committed to supporting you 鈥 academically, professionally, spiritually, personally 鈥 so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That鈥檚 why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals 鈥 resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Do you have a passion for hiking, writing, exploring nature, and understanding its origin in context with humanity? Merge your love of the great outdoors with your education through a degree in environmental studies. Covering a wide range of science topics and humanities disciplines, you鈥檒l better understand not only the inner workings of the environment around you, but also how you can be an advocate and innovator for conservation efforts. 

Environmental studies vs. environmental science:

While environmental science focuses on the mechanisms behind the problems our environment faces, environmental studies give more of an overview through the many social, political, and economic perspectives.

What can you do with an environmental studies degree?

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold include:

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts (Political Scientists) study the origin and development of political systems, evaluate government policies, and advise on political strategies. They often work in government, think tanks, nonprofits, or research institutions, contributing to policy creation and legislative strategy.

  • Median Pay: $139,380 /year
  • Number of Jobs: 6,500
  • Job Outlook (2024鈥34): +6% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +400 jobs

Sustainability Specialist

Sustainability Specialists (Environmental Scientists) analyze environmental data, promote sustainable practices, and create strategies to reduce environmental impact. They work in government, consulting, or corporations to help meet regulatory standards and protect natural resources.

  • Median Pay: $80,060/year
  • Number of Jobs: 90,300
  • Job Outlook (2024鈥34): +4% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +4,000 jobs

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems using engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.

  • Median Pay: $104,170/year
  • Number of Jobs: 39,400
  • Job Outlook (2024鈥34): +4% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +1,500 jobs

The Green Shift

"Movement Rising"

Conservation Momentum

Movement Rising
"I鈥檝e been involved for more than 30 years in ocean conservation efforts, and it used to be that when you talked about a beach cleanup, people looked at you like you were weird. But now, it鈥檚 a badge of honor to do something environmentally sound. There are so many more people taking action and talking about doing the right thing and voting with their wallets and supporting grassroots organizations. We are at the tip of the iceberg of this movement blowing up. I am extremely hopeful of where we are headed. I wish it was faster, and it needs to be faster, but more people are talking about it and engaging with these issues, and that is what gives me hope."
Vipe Desai Business Writing B.A.