Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Environmental Studies] From Pennsylvania State University

Students will receive a strong foundation in the natural and physical sciences, but will extend their studies across several disciplines, emphasizing both public policy issues and the role of the natural environment in literature, history, and culture. The goal of the program is "ecological literacy," which means that students will develop a broad-based understanding and awareness of environments and environmental issues, and they will develop the problem-solving and technical skills to address those issues. Program requirements include interdisciplinary courses in environmental studies and a broad array of courses in biology, geology, chemistry, physics, geography, economics, political science, English, history, and philosophy. By selecting appropriate electives to supplement the "additional courses" requirement of the major, students may develop an emphasis in either a specific field (i.e., biology) or in a general area of study (natural science, social science, and humanities).

The B.S. in Environmental Studies will better prepare our graduates for graduate studies and/or employment in the sciences (e.g., ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, and physical geography). Many graduate programs require at least one semester of calculus, chemistry, and physics. Furthermore, the requirements of additional 400-level courses in the sciences will permit students to target their undergraduate studies in a particular area of science so that they are best prepared for graduate work in their area of choice and/or employment.