Program Overview

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Environmental Science (Environmental Justice), BA

The Bachelor of Arts program in environmental science with a concentration in environmental justice is dedicated to preparing students to find solutions to today's critical environmental challenges posed by pollution, resource access, and climate change. This concentration program provides students with a foundation in moral theories and social policies as well as with communication skills that prepare them to be advocates for marginalized communities, which may be disproportionately impacted by environmental issues and policies.

Program Description

The study of human impact on Earth's ecosystems and resources and how these impacts are distributed across communities and ecosystems has become increasingly important over the past 20 years. This degree program is founded on established scientific research in the areas of organismal and ecosystem biology, chemistry, hydrology and water resources, and geographic information systems. The program's distinguished faculty from the natural sciences, social sciences, and philosophical fields of study conduct research across the globe, and they engage students in the process of creating new scientific policies that positively impact a rapidly changing world.

At a Glance

• College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: West Valley
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
• First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

• Global experience: The natural world is complex and diverse, changing quickly from one biome to the next. The physical environment across the globe is highly varied, and so is the human treatment of it. Students who study abroad gain a deeper understanding of the global environment, how culture affects the environment, and how to best communicate environmental research to a diverse audience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may apply their interdisciplinary science and social science research skills to careers in environmental policy, community education and advocacy, wildlife and land conservation, and community and urban planning.

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Bioinformatics Scientist | 1.2% | $93,330
  • Environmental Compliance Inspector | 3.0% | $78,420
  • Environmental Protection Specialist | 4.4% | $80,060
  • Environmental Restoration Planner | 4.4% | $80,060
  • Environmental Sciences Professor | 2.9% | $87,710
  • Environmental Specialist | 4.0% | $49,490
  • Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 1.6% | $72,860
  • Forester | 1.2% | $70,660
  • Hydrologist | -0.1% | $92,060
  • Soil Scientist | 5.4% | $71,410

STEM-OPT Extension

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.