B.A. in environmental studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dickinson College

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Dickinson College is designed for students who want to understand environmental challenges through the combined perspectives of science, society, politics, economics, and the humanities. The program explores how human activities affect the natural world and prepares students to examine sustainability, environmental policy, conservation, and social responsibility through interdisciplinary study.

Curriculum Structure

The Environmental Studies major follows an interdisciplinary curriculum. The year-by-year outline below is a suggested progression based on the college's curriculum guidance; individual course choices and scheduling may vary.

Year 1: Students begin with introductory environmental studies coursework, including Environmental Connections, which explores the relationships between people and the environment. They examine environmental challenges, investigate how social and natural systems interact, and develop the critical-thinking skills needed to understand complex environmental issues.

Year 2: Students broaden their understanding through coursework related to society and the environment, environmental science foundations, and environmental studies specializations. Depending on their choices, they may explore environmental economics, ecological anthropology, and the scientific principles underlying environmental problems.

Year 3: Students develop more advanced knowledge through upper-level environmental studies courses and applied subjects. Options such as Environmental and Social Justice, Environmental Policy, and Advanced Applications in Geographic Information Systems allow students to examine environmental issues from policy, social, and technical perspectives. Study abroad may also provide opportunities to explore environmental challenges in different regional and cultural contexts.

Year 4: Students complete advanced coursework and the senior seminar, bringing together the knowledge and perspectives developed throughout the major. This stage allows students to deepen their understanding of environmental issues and connect their academic learning to research, policy, sustainability, or other areas of interest.

Focus Areas

Interdisciplinary environmental studies, human-environment relationships, environmental policy, sustainability, environmental and social justice, environmental economics, conservation, environmental science foundations, and applied approaches to environmental challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to critically examine environmental challenges, understand the connections between human societies and natural systems, assess environmental issues through scientific and social perspectives, evaluate potential responses to sustainability challenges, and communicate reasoned arguments about environmental problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree provides an interdisciplinary academic foundation relevant to environmental policy, sustainability, conservation, environmental education, and related fields. A specific professional accreditation for the B.A. in Environmental Studies could not be verified in the official sources reviewed.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Dickinson's official materials document opportunities for internships, sustainability-related campus work, and applied learning. However, a program-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking, employment rate, or graduate salary figure could not be verified in the official sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Dickinson College encourages Environmental Studies students to connect classroom learning with practical environmental work, research, and community engagement. Students can explore sustainability initiatives on campus, participate in environmental monitoring, pursue internships with public or nonprofit organizations, and investigate environmental issues through off-campus study. The college also provides opportunities to contribute to projects that address real sustainability challenges.

Students can build practical experience through the following opportunities:

- Center for Sustainability Education (CSE): Students can apply for sustainability-focused internships and contribute to campus projects. Paid positions may be available during the academic year and summer, subject to eligibility and selection.

- Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM): This program offers opportunities to engage with community-based aquatic resource monitoring and environmental issues involving water resources.

- Dickinson College Farm: Students can explore connections between agriculture, food systems, and sustainability through this campus resource.

- Environmental internships: Students may pursue placements with environmental consulting or environmental law firms, government agencies, conservation and advocacy organizations, nonprofits, and outdoor education programs. Internships are optional rather than a required component of the major.

- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): The course Advanced Applications in Geographic Information Systems provides an academic route to explore applied geospatial approaches to environmental challenges. Specific software packages could not be confirmed in the sources reviewed.

- Study abroad and off-campus learning: Students can consider off-campus programs that help them investigate environmental changes in different countries and regions and, where appropriate, conduct research.

- Sustainability research and campus projects: The Center for Sustainability Education supports independent research and volunteer projects in addition to its internship program. Its resources can support students involved in eligible sustainability activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the B.A. in Environmental Studies can pursue careers that connect environmental knowledge with policy, sustainability, conservation, education, and community engagement. The program's interdisciplinary approach can help students prepare for roles that require critical thinking, research, communication, and an understanding of the relationship between society and the environment. Actual career options will depend on each graduate's experience, additional qualifications, and chosen specialization.

Potential career paths include:

Environmental Policy Assistant
Sustainability Coordinator
Conservation Program Assistant
Environmental Education Officer

These are potential career options, not guaranteed graduate outcomes.

Opportunities that can support career development:

- Career development services: Dickinson's Center for Career Development helps students explore internships and professional opportunities. Students can also seek career guidance and academic advising when looking for environmental internships.

- Practical experience and networking: Internships with environmental organizations, government agencies, consulting firms, nonprofits, and sustainability initiatives can help students gain experience and build professional connections.

- University sustainability initiatives: The Center for Sustainability Education, Dickinson College Farm, and ALLARM offer opportunities to engage with sustainability, agriculture, and aquatic resource monitoring.

- Employment statistics and salaries: No verified program-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure was identified in the official sources reviewed. Salary expectations vary by occupation, location, experience, and further qualifications.

- Accreditation value: No specific professional accreditation for this degree was verified. Students interested in regulated environmental professions should check the qualification requirements of their intended career and location.

- Graduation outcomes: The major provides a foundation for entry-level environmental and sustainability work, related public-sector or nonprofit roles, and further study. Specific employment outcomes for this degree should not be assumed without official graduate data.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A. in Environmental Studies, graduates may consider master's degrees in Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, Sustainability, Conservation, Environmental Management, or related disciplines. Depending on the entry requirements of the chosen program, students may also pursue postgraduate research or specialized professional training in areas such as climate policy, resource management, or environmental planning.