Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Our students become keenly aware of the causes, scale and remediation strategies of major environmental problems, and they put their critical-thinking skills to use in fields such as government, NGOs, environmental consultants, academia and private industry.

As an environmental studies major, you will learn the causes, scale and remediation strategies of the major environmental problems in the United States and the world. Our interdisciplinary program uses courses in the sciences, policy, ethics, economics, writing and math to provide a broad but rigorous education in environmental issues and real-world problem solving.

  • Understand real-world issues and how to solve them
  • Gain an interdisciplinary education, drawing on courses and expertise from more than 16 departments
  • Graduate with strong scientific knowledge, communication skills and critical thinking ability

Earth and environmental sciences ranked #3 in the world

(Center for World University Rankings, 2018)

Our program is internationally recognized in several areas of research, including ecological systems, the Earth sciences, human-environment relations, environmental politics, and energy and the environment

Learn from distinguished faculty, including a Distinguished Research Lecturer, a recipient of the Governor's Award for Research Impact and multiple Fulbright recipients

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by applying your knowledge and skills in a wide variety of careers.

 
$55,000

Median salary of CU Boulder environmental studies students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Environmental scientist, environmental manager, resource manager, research assistant, science technician and educator are common job opportunities for graduates

 

Work for local, state and federal agencies, NGOs, environmental consultants, academia or in private industry

 

Academic Plan & Requirements

Environmental studies majors begin with coursework in the natural sciences, economics and mathematics; complete intermediate coursework in policy, ethics, economics and writing; and finish their degree with advanced coursework offered by several departments and programs across CU Boulder.

The environmental studies major requires a minimum of 67 credit hours. Students must complete:

  • The College of Arts and Sciences general education requirements
  • Foundational courses in science, policy, ethics, economics, writing and math
  • 12 credit hours of upper-division coursework in an area of interest
  • An internship or field course
  • A cornerstone course
  • A capstone course

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Environmental Studies Program has an extensive alumni network working in a variety of industries across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Nathan Sanders

(BA'94)
A professor and director of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Vermont

Kaylee Acuff

(BA'04)
Co-founder of Mountain Toad Brewing In Golden, Colorado 

Dane Dostert

(BA'08)
Sustainability coordinator and head bartender for Maui Tropical Plantation

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover