Environmental Studies and Sustainability, BA
The School for the Environment's nationally recognized Environmental Studies and Sustainability program emphasizes solutions integrating the humanities and social sciences with economics and business. As environmental and sustainability advocates, students customize their course of study, drawing from such diverse fields as anthropology, law, history, management, economics, and the sciences. In addition to coursework, this hands-on degree incorporates internships, research, cooperative education, and capstone course experiences in which students work as members of a multi-disciplinary team partnered with agencies and organizations throughout the Boston metropolitan area.
What the School Offers to Ensure Your Success
Our Academic Achievement Services Center (AASC@SFE) offers a breadth of programs and activities designed to support you in your journey. Whether you seek additional support for your classes, want to explore internships or research, or merely want to more deeply engage with our alumni or fellow students, AASC@SFE is always here for you. AASC@SFE offers support and connections for advising, student support (academic, financial, health), career services and opportunities, access to Living-Learning Community programs, and Student Clubs and Organizations.
What You Can Take
Current students should refer to the catalog for the program requirements.
Course requirements for a BA in environmental studies and sustainability comprise a total of 120 academic credits, at least 30 of which must be taken at UMass Boston. In addition to UMass Boston general education requirements, students take introductory courses in environmental science and policy, a statistical analysis course, social science, humanities, environmental communication, and natural resource courses dealing with human interactions with the natural world, seminars on conflict resolution, professional development, and emerging environmental issues. All students complete a senior research capstone experience.
Learning Objectives for this program can be viewed here.
What You Will Learn
After completing your requirements in the BA in environmental studies and sustainability you will have a firm grounding in the multiple fields that contribute to advancing our understanding of the human-natural systems connections. You will have the critical thinking skills necessary to communicate complexity and the analytical skills required to advance new programs, policies, and communication strategies in support of a sustainable future.
Program Contact
For more information contact the director of AASC Elizabeth Boyle (elizabeth.boyle@umb.edu; 617.287.4756).