Environmental StudiesBachelor of Arts

Why study Environmental Studies at Gustavus?

As an Environmental Studies major, you will study the complex and dynamic relationships between water, land, air and life. You will think and create in a variety of disciplines, and you will learn to be a participant in and advocate for the building of a more just and sustainable world. You will gain a multidisciplinary viewpoint of humans and their surroundings, working with faculty across disciplines including history, the natural and social sciences, theology, the arts, and more. Then, you will personalize your major by choosing from many course options to set you up for success in your particular goals. Environmental Studies students often extend their education with sustainability internships, science research assistantships, and advocacy experiences. Students who graduate with an Environmental Studies degree also continue flourishing with careers in research, consulting, education, exploration, and public policy.

Course Examples

Every year, Gustavus faculty teach more than 1,800 courses - you'll be able to choose what interests you. Maybe one of these courses from Environment, Geography, and Earth Sciences will be on your class schedule.

  • GEG/ENV-250Environment and Society
  • REL-132Religion and Ecology
  • BIO-245Conservation Biology
  • GEO/ENV-120Geochemistry of the Environment
Julie Bartley, Environment Geography and Earth, Geology, Environmental Studies, Geography

“I try to give students the opportunity to do both individual and team assignments and strive to foster an inclusive, active classroom in which students have choices about how they engage with their work.”

Julie Bartley, Environment Geography and Earth, Geology, Environmental Studies, Geography

What can I do with a degree in Environmental Studies?

The Environmental Studies major is adaptable - and valuable - leading to many different fields and fulfilling careers. Here are a few popular paths, but a Gustavus degree can take you anywhere.

  • Sustainability
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Waste Diversion and Management
  • Soil Science
  • Stream Restoration
  • Land Use Planning
  • Environmental Education
$55,174
Average salary 5 years post graduation — Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer from the U.S. Census Bureau
75%  Ultimately attended graduate or professional school
11:1  Student to Faculty Ratio
72  Majors
100%  of courses taught by faculty members

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