Environmental Systems and Sustainability

The Environmental Systems and Sustainability Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree examines how humans interact with complex environmental systems and how societies can meet present needs for natural resources without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Grounded in geographical and systems thinking, the program trains students to analyze interactions among environmental, social, and geographical processes across spatial and temporal scales, equipping them to evaluate sustainability challenges in a rapidly changing world. These challenges include climate change, resource management, environmental health, and urban sustainability.

Students are typically interested in understanding how individuals, organizations, and societies influence the environment and in contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. The degree develops essential technical skills for addressing environmental and societal challenges, including training in quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial methods. Students gain the expertise needed to analyze environmental data, address real-world sustainability issues, and support informed decision-making and evidence-based solutions.

Environmental systems and sustainability students typically have interests in:

• Earth
• Geography
• Socio-environmental interactions
• Natural resources
• Renewable energy
• International environment issues
• Environmental justice
• Environmental quality

High school preparation should include math and science courses, especially Earth and physical sciences, environmental science.