Environmental Studies

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain Experience to Shape Global Networks and Green Careers

Shape the planet into a meaningful career with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. As a leader in climate-ready degrees, Unity equips you with practical skills to address global environmental challenges. Explore sustainability, conservation, and global ecology through flexible learning that fits your lifestyle. Gain hands-on experience, connect with professionals worldwide, and unlock career opportunities in sustainability, policy, and conservation. Be the change for a greener, more sustainable future.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies?

+ 85 %

Environmental Scientists and Specialists jobs in the U.S., 2023*

79 K

Median pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists*

+ 7 %

Estimated job growth in the U.S. through 2033*

*Source: ONet Online/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

In the BS in Environmental Studies Program You’ll Learn To:

Explore the root causes and long-term consequences of environmental degradation, and evaluate the trade-offs involved in real-world sustainability decisions
Learn to identify and evaluate the viewpoints of Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs), gaining insight into how different stakeholders approach complex environmental issues
Develop strategies to promote meaningful change, whether through grassroots movements, policy influence, or personal leadership in sustainability efforts
Apply leading environmental frameworks to create and justify effective strategies that address both local and global environmental challenges

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Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky region, Utah, USA.

What You Will Study

Environmental Studies
Course Examples

Ecoliteracy for a Sustainable World

In this course, you will explore how the earth’s systems function, how human actions impact the environment, and how to build a sustainable future. We live in an inextricably connected world where everything we consume and everything we do connects us back to nature and the planet somehow.

Environmental Justice in Ethical Context

Understanding the causes and consequences of environmental injustice is essential for all environmental professionals, and ethical considerations are a necessary addition to your toolkit. Through this course you will examine some of the systemic failures that have resulted in environmental injustices and consider some of the ethical, legal and policy issues raised.

Woman standing on a stage giving a presentation.

Strategic Management for Social Change

Businesses have a profound impact on our world. Sometimes their actions and policies create inequalities and environmental destruction. Other times, corporations are a source of positive social change and sustainability. In this course, you will examine social change through a strategic management lens.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Environmental Studies

Environmental studies allows you to explore diverse career opportunities related to the environment and sustainability. You can work as an environmental consultant, helping organizations navigate environmental regulations and adopt sustainable practices. Alternatively, you could become a sustainability manager, developing, and implementing strategies to minimize environmental impact within businesses. Additionally, you can pursue roles as an environmental policy analyst or environmental educator.

The BS in Environmental Studies at Unity Environmental University prepares students for a wide range of environmental careers. This interdisciplinary program provides students with a holistic understanding of environmental issues, including those related to natural resources and resource management. The program teaches students to use tools and perspectives from a variety of disciplines including the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities to understand the causes and consequences of environmental problems. Graduates will be able to enter a wide variety of environmental careers.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 24 credits

Elective Courses: 77 credits

Program Core: 19 credits

EVPC 102: Ecoliteracy for a Sustainable World
EVPC 210: Environmental Issues: Ocean Acidification
EVPC 211: Environmental Issues: Forever Chemicals
EVPC 212: Environmental Issues: Light and Noise Pollution
EVPC 213: Environmental Issues: Climate Refugee Crisis
EVPC 310: Environmental Issues: Impacts of Renewable Energy on Marine Ecosystems
EVPC 311: Environmental Issues: Environmental Consequences of Industrial Agriculture
EVPC 320: Environmental Justice in an Ethical Context
EVPC 321: Leading Change: Project Stewardship for Environmental Transformation
EVPC 490: Transdisciplinary Capstone
MGMT 303: Strategic Management for Social Change

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The environmental studies degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Sustainability Core

Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the industry.

Future Success

Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want

Real Students, Real Impact

DE student Brianna posing on a snowy mountain.

Real Students, Real Impact

“I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning.”

Brianna R.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

View Full Testimonial

Brianna R.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

“Before attending Unity, I was attending my local state university and working at a local farm. I saw an advertisement online about Unity and after looking more into the mission and goals of the college, I knew that this was where I needed to be. I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning. Once enrolled, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. I have never had a school that has aligned with my personal interests, goals, and ideologies until Unity. I feel this college represents what I stand for and shares the same passions that I have for the environment and its conservation.”

Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.

Start YOUR journey to success today!

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Professor of Conservation Law and Policy

Zach Falcon
Global Expert in Conservation Law and Leadership

Read More About Professor Falcon

Zach Falcon
Global Expert in Conservation Law and Leadership

Zach Falcon is the Professor of Conservation Law Enforcement at Unity Environmental University, responsible for the leadership, planning, coordination, and evaluation.

He holds a BA in Anthropology from Columbia University, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, and an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. He has also served Unity as the faculty moderator and as Chair for the Conservation Law Enforcement program.

Zach came to Unity from University of Iowa College of Law, where he was the Associate Director of the Writing Resource Center. During his legal career, he served in the State of Alaska Department of Law as an Assistant Attorney General, where he represented the state in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and permit appeals. He has also worked as a public defender in Juneau, Alaska, and as associate oversight counsel for the Resources Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

Learn from Leaders

PhD and MA in Anthropology specializing in Historical Archaeology, BA in Anthropology, Archaeology, and History

Dr. Jessica Young
Global Expert in Historical Ecology and Human-Environment Relationships

Learn More About Dr. Young

Dr. Jessica Young
Global Expert in Historical Ecology and Human-Environment Relationships

Dr. Jessica M. H. Young holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology specializing in Historical Archaeology from the College of William and Mary and a B.A. from Cornell University with majors in Anthropology, Archaeology, and History as well as a concentration in American Indian Studies. Dr. Young’s research pertains to historical ecology or past and present human-environmental relationships, food and diet, taskscapes, and landscape, and she utilizes archaeology and paleoethnobotany (the study of ancient plants) to explore these subjects. She has worked in distinct archaeological contexts, but her work is primarily focused on Indigenous sites as well as shell midden sites in North America.

Learn from Leaders

EdD in Higher Education with Focus in Science Education, MS and BS in Physics

Dr. Bruce Brazell
Global Expert in Mathematics and Physics

Learn More About Dr. Brazell

Dr. Bruce Brazell
Global Expert in Mathematics and Physics

Dr. Brazell’s earliest childhood memories are of the Apollo moon landings. The thrill and excitement of those days stayed with him over the years and influenced his career path to go into the sciences. He earned a BS and MS in physics and an Ed.D. in Higher Education (focusing on science education). After a brief stint working in an observatory, Dr. Brazell followed the education path initially working as a high school physics teacher then progressing into the role of college physics and astronomy professor. Eventually, he moved into administration where he served as a dean for a national university for many years. Dr. Brazell’s publication experience includes physics preparation books for Kaplan, teaching certification materials for ABCTE, study guides and test items for state science standards exams, book reviews, and contributions to the Astronomy Education Review.

Dr. Brazell and his wife have been together for over three decades and successfully raised five children. They keep busy taking care of a menagerie of rescued cats and dogs, various improvement projects on home and rental properties, and spending time with grandchildren. He holds a mudlarking permit from the Port of London Authority and has searched the Thames foreshore collecting items such as Roman pottery shards, 300-year old clay pipes, and 19th century mineral water bottles. Dr. Brazell is actively involved in informal astronomy activities and sets up his telescope at various locales to give people a chance to look at celestial objects in an effort to spark conversations about the fragility and uniqueness of our home planet.