BA in Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary, science-based degree program that focuses on interactions between people and both the natural and built environments. Housed in the Department of Geography, the program explores sustainability issues through the social sciences, humanities and physical and life sciences.

Through the major, students develop strong interdisciplinary skills, and the research and writing skills to work across disciplines and convey information to diverse sets of stakeholders. This broad training prepares Environmental Studies students to consider complex environmental challenges—and their social components—like climate change; extinction and habitat loss; and equity and urban sustainability. All Environmental Studies students take courses in field research methods, GIS, and a capstone class that provides students with applied research and policy analysis experiences and an accompanying portfolio. 

After graduation, many Environmental Studies majors fill vital roles in translating science to the public, or incorporating science in policy or planning practice. Our alumni often go on to graduate school in fields such as law, urban planning, environmental policy, and various environmental sciences. They also find a tremendous variety of career paths. For instance, our alumni work in such varied roles as a physical scientist at the US EPA; a communications specialist at the Environmental Defense Fund; a bid supplier for a renewable energy company; a multimedia production specialist with Washington Area Community Investment Fund; a GIS analysis for a local environmental non-profit organization; and as a program analyst with the General Services Administration.
 

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"I try to take advantage of the opportunities at GW — take classes, go to forums and attend different D.C. green scene events. Knowledge is power — especially when it comes to the environment."

Berkley Lane
BA '20

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 Program Benefits

• Professional expertise in environmental management and policy, writing environmental impact assessments, managing critical resources and practicing working as planners
• Opportunities to engage with nature and the built environment in and around Washington, D.C.
• Off-campus field courses in geography and geology
• Internship and research opportunities with the National Parks Service, National Geographic and the Environmental Protection Agency
• Option to combine degrees with a major or minor in geography or a minor in geographic information systems
• Access to the Center for Urban and Environmental Research (CUER), which provides opportunities for faculty and students to engage in research and urban development activities

Undergraduate Advisors

Environmental Studies Last Name A-L: Melissa Keeley

Environmental Studies Last Name M-Z: Lisa Benton-Short

Course Requirements