Environmental problems don’t stay in one lane. Solving them requires expertise in multiple fields and the know-how to communicate and collaborate across different systems. Rapid acceleration of human consumption, global trade, and urbanization is straining Earth’s resources more quickly than it can naturally restore them, disturbing the ecological balance of life on our planet.

Drexel’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Studies and Sustainability is for students who want to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it responsibly. BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainability majors explore the intersections of science, society, and sustainability as they examine environmental problems such as biodiversity loss, climate change, deforestation, global warming, plastic pollution, structural inequality, and water scarcity.

Majors gain from experiential learning, mentored research, and unparalleled access to The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, whose world-class collections foster discovery in biodiversity, climate change, ecology, evolutionary biology, and systematics.

Students can enhance knowledge and career-readiness through minor programs, and qualified undergraduates may pursue an accelerated program in environmental policy. Every student can enhance their development by exploring civic engagement and study abroad options. Through the renowned Drexel Co-op program, students can explore a wide range of professional careers or prepare for advanced studies.

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Program Overview

Students who major in the BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainability gain fundamental knowledge of the forces shaping environmental issues –from structural inequality to global consumption and the carbon cycle. Majors develop a broad understanding of environmental science, policy development, needs of decision makers, attorneys and engineers, urban and international concerns, and current environmental issues. They investigate how ecosystems function and learn how to leverage expertise from different fields to address environmental sustainability, justice, and resilience.

Working closely with faculty and professional scientists, students engage in hands-on research in labs, field sites, and museum collections. They learn how to design studies, analyze data, and communicate results—graduating with real-world experience and skills that strengthen career readiness and preparation for graduate study.

Experiential Learning

From the moment they arrive, Environmental Studies and Sustainability majors don’t just study challenging issues—they actively engage with them. Through hands-on, place-based projects, students tackle real-world ecological problems with a focus on planning, policy, and community impact. They work alongside faculty experts in the social sciences and humanities and collaborate with decision-makers, environmental advocates, and grassroots groups to help protect people and ecosystems.

Throughout the year, community events— including shared meals, hikes and excursions—bring students, faculty, and staff together in meaningful ways. Majors take the lead in campus-wide sustainability initiatives like Hydration Stations and contribute to creative and collaborative events such as the Anthems for the Environment song-writing contest, Climate Cafés, and the annual Tree Pageant.

The Pre-Term Field Experience

At Drexel University, students dive into hands-on learning from the moment they arrive. All majors are invited to join an immersive pre-term experience that introduces them to fieldwork in a fun environment, allowing them to build new friendships with their peers and foster enriching relationships with faculty.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Environmental Studies and Sustainability majors have unparalleled access to The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, whose world-class collections contribute to experiential learning in biodiversity, climate change, ecology, evolutionary biology, and systematics.

The Environmental Collaboratory

In partnership with the Academy, the Environmental Collaboratory at Drexel is a dynamic platform focused on community-based climate justice. Building on its comprehensive research expertise, longstanding relationship with external partners and deep commitment to civic engagement, Drexel and the Academy of Natural Sciences bring together faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and the public sector to explore solutions to environmental problems.

Local and Global Field Sites

Locally, the Barnegat Bay Field Station offers hands-on ecological surveys across coastal habitats—from maritime forests and tidal creeks to pine–oak uplands and sandy beaches. Lacawac Sanctuary in the Poconos provides an ecological research station and environmental education center. The Willistown Conservation Trust’s Rushton Woods Preserve supports integrated research in land protection, habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, bird conservation, and watershed science.

Internationally, faculty conduct research programs and teach courses in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, and Greece, among other sites. Study abroad expands students' horizons and offers valuable hands-on experience.

Accelerated Program

Academically qualified undergraduate students can earn both a bachelor's and master’s degree—graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. While enrolled in the accelerated Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental Policy (MS) program, students still enjoy the benefits of Drexel Co-op, study abroad, and other options that make up the Drexel experience.

Environmental Science (BS) and Environmental Policy (MS)

Minor Programs

Environmental Science majors can enhance career-readiness through minor programs designed to offer deeper understanding and to develop more focused skills.

Climate Change Minor

Ecology Minor

Environmental Studies Minor

Geoscience Minor

Drexel Co-op

Through the renowned Drexel Co-op program, Environmental Studies and Sustainability majors can experience up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment. This allows them to fully explore potential career paths, strengthen their résumés, and build a professional network in the process.

Recent co-op positions and employers include:

Careers

Environmental Studies and Sustainability graduates often pursue careers in environmental policy, planning, and sustainability. They work in government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations who promote environmental stewardship and develop, implement, or are impacted by environmental policies.

Common career paths include conservation, climate mitigation and adaptation, conservation, environmental communication and education, sustainability policy and planning, environmental public health, and environmental consulting.