Environmental Studies BA

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies prepares you to understand and address environmental challenges at the intersection of science, policy, and society. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in the natural and social sciences, you will develop skills in environmental analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and data interpretation to evaluate real-world environmental problems.

As a student in the program, you will have access to hands-on research, fieldwork, and internship opportunities that build practical experience and professional networks across environmental sectors such as environmental management, public policy, urban and regional planning, law, and sustainability-focused industries. You can also participate in faculty-led research that reflects the kinds of environmental issues shaping communities around the world. 

Research Opportunities

In the Kahler Lab, you can investigate water quality, environmental contamination and human health risks associated with polluted river systems. Researchers in this lab studied the Luvuvhu River Catchment in South Africa by analyzing nutrients, oxygen levels and toxic elements such as arsenic, lead and mercury across multiple seasons and locations. Their work revealed how agriculture, sewage discharge and industrial activity contribute to declining water quality and increased ecological and public health risks, especially during seasonal rainfall events. This research helps inform environmental monitoring, pollution management and water-resource protection strategies for vulnerable communities.
Research opportunities in the Reeder Lab focus on using advanced geophysical and geospatial technologies to study environmental and historical landscapes. You can work with tools such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical soil conductivity mapping to investigate subsurface features non-invasively. Recent projects at the Jungfernhof Concentration Camp site in Latvia used these techniques to identify buried structures and reconstruct historical site features while preserving the integrity of the landscape. By combining environmental physics, spatial analysis and historical investigation, you鈥檒l gain experience applying scientific methods to archaeology, land-use studies and environmental sensing.

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Program Information

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies prepares students for careers in environmental management, law, public policy and green technology through hands-on research, internships and fieldwork.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

School

School of Science and Engineering

Academic Department

Environmental Science and Management

Duration

4 years

Required Credit Hours

127

Modality

In-Person

I Can Help You Reach Your Bigger Goals!

Contact me, your Associate Dean, to get started on your academic path.

Dr. Phillip Palmer

Associate Dean

Science and Engineering

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From Our 2025 Goldwater Scholar

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"91制片厂 is a great place to do research because we're small. As a freshman I was able to start doing research which really aided in me getting the Goldwater scholarship."

Madison Fitzgerald 2025 Goldwater Scholar, BS Environmental Science '25

Research, Clubs and Campus Life

 
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Lead the Way in Research

As a student in the environmental studies program, you'll collaborate with faculty on scientific research, contributing to significant scientific goals and often co-authoring publications in leading journals like the Journal of Environmental Management, the Journal of Cleaner Production and the Environmental Impact Assessment Review.

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Find Your Community

You can explore your interests through 25+ clubs and organizations, which are open to science and engineering majors. These options include joining the Biomedical Engineering Society, the Society of Women Engineers and the Multicultural STEM Group, among others, to connect with like-minded peers and pursue your passions.

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A City Full of Opportunity

91制片厂 is nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, a city with 90 diverse neighborhoods where everyone can be themselves. Repeatedly ranked among the most livable cities, Pittsburgh offers a vibrant mix of opportunities just a few blocks from campus, including Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations and startups for work 鈥� and three major league sports teams for play!

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Related Programs in Environmental Science

Choose the degree that fits your interests, skills and career goals.

Environmental Science (B.S.)

Gain a strong foundation in natural sciences, integrate science and policy and receive personalized mentoring to prepare for diverse environmental careers or advanced graduate study.

Find Your Focus

Dual Degree (B.S./M.S.)

The dual degree program gives you the interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle environmental challenges, develop sustainable solutions and prepare for a successful career in environmental science and management.

Apply Today

Graduate Program (ESM)

The Master of Science in Environmental Science and Management equips students with science, policy and management skills to tackle environmental challenges, offering concentrations in Traditional ESM, Conservation Biology or Research.

Explore the Program

Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Each summer, you can take part in 91制片厂's 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP), where you'll conduct hands-on research on funded projects supported by government agencies, non-profit organizations and corporate foundations. These projects often extend beyond campus to include partnerships with experts from major research institutions and industry.

Learning Outcomes

By graduation, you'll have the ability to:
  • Gain technical abilities, communication and leadership skills for successful careers as an environmental professional, or advanced studies in law, business, or public health.
  • Apply scientific method to answer critical questions, define complex issues, and develop innovative solutions in environmental science.
  • Communicate in both oral and written formats environmental concepts clearly and effectively.
  • Obtain knowledge of environmental topics including climate science, pollution (air, water, land), and biodiversity.

Accreditation

MSCHE is 91制片厂鈥檚 institutional accreditor, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for ensuring the highest standards of academic quality and integrity. This accreditation assures students that their learning experience meets nationally recognized standards of excellence, supports continuous improvement, and strengthens the value of their 91制片厂 degree both nationally and globally.

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