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Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies & Sustainability

"People are the driving force of change in sustainability. My Drexel experiences have helped me be that change."

Sumita Gangwani

BS Environmental Studies & Sustainability + MS Science, Technology & Society '18

Read More About Sumita

Modern society faces a plethora of environmental problems — from air and water pollution, to a loss of biodiversity, to urban sprawl and global warming. These are global issues: decisions on environmental use and protection in one country affect environmental use and protection in all other countries.

Scientific approaches are certainly required to solve these issues but they alone are not enough; we must also address the complex social, cultural, economic and political factors that influence society’s understanding and adoption of these solutions. Combating global warming, for instance, requires that society first acknowledge that such environmental problems exist. Affected groups must be fully aware of and invested in technical solutions, or else the burden of environmental degradation is shifted onto the poor, less educated and less organized. Our world needs leaders who can discover and implement societal solutions to environmental and sustainability problems.

The Environmental Studies Major Requirements & Curriculum

sunset over lake

The Environmental Studies and Sustainability bachelor’s degree program is for students who want to address contemporary environmental issues from the perspective of the humanities. Environmental studies graduates will have a firm foundation in international studies and foreign language, allowing them to participate in cross-cultural dialogue and help people around the world understand environmental issues.

By taking courses alongside their classmates in the environmental science and geoscience programs, students will gain a valuable background in field research and the basics of environmental sampling. This technical expertise will complement the liberal arts skills they will gain in communication, collaboration, creative and critical thinking, and leadership. Through Drexel’s Co-op program, students will gain the competitive edge of occupation-specific skills and professionalism.

Learn More About the Environmental Studies & Sustainability Degree in the Course Catalog

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Drexel University emphasizes experiential learning for all students with global research partnerships, field sites and state-of-the-art facilities. There are numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience from day one: from the first-year STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program to research co-ops and assistantships. Students benefit from the mentorship and instruction of top scientists from Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences and the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science.

DREXEL CO-OP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & SUSTAINABILITY MAJORS

Through Drexel’s renowned cooperative education (co-op) program, environmental studies and sustainability majors gain career-boosting skills and connections on up to three, six-month periods of employment. Students have the opportunity to earn a salary and apply their skills as they explore different career options. Recent environmental studies majors have completed co-ops such as:

  • Environmental Education and Animal Behavior Co-op, Philadelphia Zoo
  • Curatorial Assistant, Academy of Natural Sciences
  • Development Assistant, EDF Renewable Energy
  • Supply Chain Co-op, Eversource Energy
  • Corporate Communications Co-op, IKEA
  • And Many More!

Learn More About Drexel’s Co-op Program

DISCOVER CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & SUSTAINABILITY

Students with an Environmental Studies and Sustainability degree have many options for careers post-graduation. These careers include positions like:

  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Urban Planner
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
  • Nature Educator

Learn More About Career Opportunities with an Environmental Studies & Sustainability Degree

Environmental Studies & Sustainability Student Stories

"With my BA/MS, I was able to combine my interest in cities and urban areas with my interest in environmental studies and advocacy."

Tarita Roy Choudhury '19

BA Environmental Studies & Sustainability + MS Urban Strategy '19

"All of my co-ops were different -- I was able to identify the skills I would need to succeed on my ideal career path"

Michaela Jackson '18

BA Environmental Studies & Sustainability + MS Science Communication '18

Meet More BEES Students and Alumni

APPLY FOR A DEGREE IN Environmental Studies & Sustainability

Apply for a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability or visit campus to get firsthand information about a Drexel education. Contact us at bees@drexel.edu for more information.

Prospective Students

Please email coas@drexel.edu or call us at 215.895.1805 with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!


Undergraduate Advising

Kate Hughes, Associate Director of Advising and Student Success, Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences

Kate Hughes

Associate Director of Programming and Partnerships
Academic Building, 311
| kfh28@drexel.edu

Contact Us

Department of Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Science

3245 Chestnut Street
PISB 123
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.571.4651 | bees@drexel.edu

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103