Environmental Studies and Sciences B.A.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Moravian University

Program Overview

Moravian University's Environmental Studies BA combines environmental science with economics, public policy, ethics, and other social sciences and humanities, helping students understand the complex relationship between people and the natural world. It is well suited to students who want to address environmental challenges through sustainability, conservation, environmental policy, and resource management, while developing the research, communication, and analytical skills needed to evaluate practical solutions.

Curriculum Structure

The degree combines a shared environmental studies core with electives across natural sciences, economics, policy, and other interdisciplinary subjects. Students build their knowledge progressively, with the precise sequence depending on their course selections, prerequisites, and academic planning.

Year 1: Environmental Foundations

Students begin by exploring the principles of environmental systems through Environmental Science (ENVR 112), alongside Principles of Economics (ECON 152) and a statistics course such as Elementary Statistics (MATH 107). These subjects introduce the scientific, economic, and quantitative perspectives needed to understand environmental problems and evaluate potential solutions.

Year 2: Environmental Policy and Analytical Tools

Students develop a broader understanding of environmental decision-making through Environmental Economics and Policy (ECON 240) and Introductory Geographic Information Systems (ENVR 210). They also begin selecting electives from the programme's natural science and economics, mathematics, and policy categories, building a foundation in spatial analysis, resource management, and environmental governance.

Year 3: Interdisciplinary Study and Communication

Students deepen their knowledge through subjects such as Communicating Science (ENVR 246), Environmental Health (ENVR 330), and electives in environmental ethics, politics, or sustainability-related fields. The programme's writing-intensive seminar and collaborative research activities help students strengthen their ability to investigate environmental challenges, assess evidence, and communicate findings to different audiences.

Year 4: Independent Research and Professional Preparation

In their final year, students can consolidate their knowledge through Independent Study (ENVR 381), Independent Research (ENVR 384), or an Environmental Studies and Sciences Internship (ENVR 386), subject to programme requirements and availability. The capstone seminar provides an opportunity to integrate previous learning through group research and presentations, preparing students for employment or further study.

Focus Areas

Environmental policy and economics, sustainability, environmental science, natural resource management, environmental ethics, environmental health, geographic information systems, environmental communication, conservation, and interdisciplinary environmental problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of local, regional, and global environmental challenges and the policies that influence potential solutions. They learn to collect, analyse, and interpret data for environmental decision-making, apply scientific and ethical reasoning, evaluate the social and economic dimensions of sustainability, and communicate environmental findings effectively to professional and public audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme's interdisciplinary curriculum supports career pathways in environmental policy, sustainability, conservation, environmental communication, and resource management. The official programme information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for the BA; students interested in specialist or regulated careers should check the requirements of their intended profession.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Moravian University's overall graduate outcomes provide an indication of its career-support environment. The university reports a 98% career outcome rate for the Class of 2025, with 74% employed full-time, 24% pursuing postgraduate studies, and 2% seeking employment. The university notes that these percentages represent 55% of the graduating class, and they are not specific to Environmental Studies graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Moravian University integrates collaborative research, environmental data analysis, and practical experience into its Environmental Studies and Sciences programme. Students develop research and communication skills through an interdisciplinary capstone seminar, where they work in teams to investigate environmental issues and present their findings. The programme also offers opportunities to undertake independent research, complete an internship, and use geographic information systems to explore environmental questions.

Students can develop practical skills through the following opportunities:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Introductory Geographic Information Systems (ENVR 210) introduces students to spatial data and its use in understanding environmental patterns and supporting decisions.
Collaborative Research Projects: The Environmental Studies and Sciences Seminar (ENVR 370–374) includes integrative group research projects and presentations that develop teamwork, research, and communication skills.
Independent Research: Students can pursue ENVR 384 to investigate an environmental topic in greater depth under appropriate academic supervision.
Independent Study: ENVR 381 allows students to explore an area of environmental interest through focused academic work, subject to programme arrangements.
Environmental Internships: ENVR 386 provides an opportunity to gain professional experience related to environmental studies. Specific placements depend on availability and approval.
Environmental Communication: Communicating Science (ENVR 246) develops the ability to present scientific information clearly to professional and public audiences.
Interdisciplinary Electives: Students can select courses in natural sciences, political science, economics, public health, and environmental humanities, connecting environmental questions with broader social and economic concerns.
Duke University Cooperative Programme: Eligible students can pursue a 3+2 pathway, combining undergraduate study at Moravian with graduate study at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment.

Official facilities and programme information: Moravian University Environmental Studies and Sciences programme page.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Moravian University's Environmental Studies BA can prepare graduates for roles that combine environmental knowledge with policy analysis, sustainability planning, research, and communication. Its interdisciplinary curriculum is particularly relevant to students who want to understand environmental challenges from scientific, economic, political, and social perspectives. Potential career paths include environmental policy analyst, sustainability coordinator, conservation programme assistant, and environmental communications specialist, depending on the student's experience and additional qualifications.

Career Development and Professional Opportunities

Career Services: The Laurie Riley ’82 Center for Career Success provides résumé and cover-letter guidance, job and internship search support, career fairs, employer events, and access to Handshake, an online platform for finding job and internship opportunities.
Internships and Experiential Learning: The university works with employers and community organisations to create internship, externship, project-based learning, and recruitment opportunities for students.
Employment Outcomes: Moravian University reports a 98% career outcome rate for the Class of 2025. Its published breakdown indicates that 74% were employed full-time, 24% were pursuing postgraduate studies, and 2% were seeking employment. These figures represent 55% of the graduating class and are not specific to Environmental Studies graduates.
Employer Partnerships: The Career Success Center connects students with employers through recruiting activities, career fairs, internships, and other professional engagement opportunities. The university does not identify these as exclusive partnerships for Environmental Studies students.
Professional Accreditation: The official programme information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for the BA. Graduates should check the credentials required for specialist roles in environmental assessment, consulting, or other regulated fields.
Salary Information: No verified programme-specific graduate salary figure is provided in the cited official sources. Salaries will vary by occupation, location, experience, and qualifications.
Long-Term Career Development: Research experience, GIS coursework, communication skills, and internships can help graduates build a foundation for environmental careers or further academic study. The university also provides career support for students preparing for opportunities after graduation.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue master's degrees in environmental management, environmental policy, sustainability, conservation, public policy, or related interdisciplinary fields. Moravian University also offers a cooperative 3+2 pathway with Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, allowing eligible students to complete three years of undergraduate study at Moravian followed by two years at Duke, earning a bachelor's degree and a Master of Forestry or Master of Environmental Management. Students interested in this route must meet with the Environmental Studies and Sciences programme director during their first year and confirm the current eligibility and admission requirements.

Official career and progression resources: Moravian University's Career Success Center and Environmental Studies and Sciences programme pages.