Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Stetson University

Program Overview

Stetson University's Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies explores how environmental challenges connect with society, economics, politics, and public policy, preparing students to understand and address issues such as climate change, water management, conservation, and sustainable development. Designed for students interested in the human and policy dimensions of environmental issues, the programme combines environmental science, geographic information systems, environmental law and policy, and social science to develop practical research, analytical, and communication skills.

Curriculum Structure

The BA requires 32 units, including major courses, science electives, policy and social science electives, a senior research sequence, and general education requirements. The following is an illustrative progression based on the official curriculum; students should confirm their individual course sequence with an academic adviser.

Year 1: Environmental Foundations and Scientific Methods

Students begin with Introduction to Environmental Science and Studies (ENSS 140P), learning how environmental systems interact with human activities. Environmental Science: Methods and Practice (ENSS 141P) introduces scientific approaches to environmental investigation, while introductory science courses help build the foundation for studying ecosystems, natural resources, and sustainability.

Year 2: Environmental Policy and Geographic Analysis

Students develop their understanding of environmental decision-making through Environmental Law & Policy (ENSS 218) or Water Policy (ENSS 319), examining how regulations and public decisions influence environmental protection. Introduction to Maps and Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 201) introduces spatial mapping and geographic analysis, while courses in environmental science and social sciences broaden students' understanding of environmental challenges.

Year 3: Sustainability, Economics, and Applied Environmental Studies

Students can explore specialised subjects such as Environmental and Resource Economics (ECON 325V), Environmental Planning (ENSS 320), and Climate Adaptation and Planning (ENSS 325). Electives such as Environmental Communication (COMM 367V), Environmental Ethics (PHIL 317V), and Leadership for a Sustainable Future (ENSS 316V) help students connect environmental research with public engagement, ethical decision-making, and practical sustainability strategies.

Year 4: Research and Professional Preparation

Students complete the senior research sequence through Research Proposal (ENSS 497), Senior Research Project (ENSS 498), and Senior Seminar (ENSS 499), developing a focused environmental research question and communicating their findings. Depending on their interests and prerequisites, students can also pursue advanced options such as Field Methods (ENSS 302), Wetlands Systems (ENSS 330), or Landscape Ecology (ENSS 402), strengthening their preparation for environmental careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Environmental policy and law, sustainability, environmental and resource economics, geographic information systems, environmental planning, climate adaptation, environmental ethics, environmental communication, conservation, wetlands ecology, landscape ecology, and natural resource management.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse environmental problems using scientific evidence, geographic information systems, and interdisciplinary approaches. They learn to evaluate environmental laws and policies, understand the economic and social dimensions of sustainability, conduct independent research, and communicate findings effectively to professional and public audiences. The programme also strengthens critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving skills for addressing complex environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA provides an interdisciplinary foundation for careers in environmental policy, sustainability, resource management, conservation, urban planning, and environmental consulting. The official programme information does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this degree; students planning to enter specialist or regulated professions should verify the qualifications required for their intended career.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Stetson University emphasises applied learning through field studies, research, internships, and community-based projects. The university's immersive-learning materials report that 93% of graduates find employment or gain admission to graduate schools, an institution-wide outcome rather than an Environmental Studies-specific placement rate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Stetson University connects environmental studies with real-world challenges through fieldwork, research, community engagement, and internships. Students can develop practical skills in geographic information systems, environmental data analysis, sustainability planning, and research communication. The curriculum includes field-based courses, while the department's interdisciplinary faculty bring expertise from environmental science, geography, ecology, geology, law, and public policy.

Students can gain practical experience through the following opportunities:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Introduction to Maps and Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 201) introduces spatial mapping and geographic analysis for investigating environmental patterns and human impacts.
Field Studies: Field Methods (ENSS 302) gives students an opportunity to explore environmental research methods, subject to course availability and prerequisites.
Environmental Geology Field Course: Environmental Geology Appalachian Mountains (ENSS 331) involves visits to sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and in the Nantahala National Forest, with extensive hiking and camping.
Wetlands and Ecosystem Studies: Wetlands Systems (ENSS 330) explores wetland environments, how environmental information is gathered, and issues related to wetland preservation.
Sustainability Projects: Leadership for a Sustainable Future (ENSS 316V) develops skills in planning and implementing sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Independent Research: The senior research sequence includes Research Proposal (ENSS 497), Senior Research Project (ENSS 498), and Senior Seminar (ENSS 499), giving students experience in designing, conducting, and presenting research.
Internships: Stetson supports internships during fall, spring, and summer. Opportunities may be paid or unpaid and may count for academic credit with departmental approval.
Community Engagement: Students can explore service-learning and community-based projects that connect environmental knowledge with local needs and practical problem-solving.

Official facilities and experiential-learning information: Stetson University's Department of Environmental Science and Studies and Environmental Studies academic catalog.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Environmental Studies BA prepares students to explore careers involving environmental policy, sustainability, conservation, resource management, and environmental planning. By combining scientific foundations with economics, policy, GIS, and research, the programme helps graduates understand environmental challenges and develop solutions that consider both natural systems and human needs. Potential career paths include environmental consultant, environmental policy analyst, sustainability coordinator, and conservation programme specialist, depending on experience and further qualifications.

Career Development and Professional Opportunities

Career Services: Stetson's Office of Career Success supports students with internship searches, career advising, job applications, and professional development. Students can use HatterJobs to explore internships and employment opportunities.
Internship Support: Students can pursue academic or non-credit internships during fall, spring, and summer. The university's Internship Impact Fund may help eligible undergraduate students cover qualifying summer internship expenses, including travel and housing.
Employment Outcomes: Stetson's university-wide immersive-learning materials report that 93% of graduates find employment or gain admission to graduate school. This figure is not specific to Environmental Studies graduates.
Environmental Industry Connections: The Environmental Science and Studies department reports that faculty participate in projects across local and global settings, collaborating with other universities, government agencies, nonprofit organisations, and industry. Specific current employer partnerships for the BA are not listed in the cited programme information.
Professional Accreditation: No specific professional accreditation is identified for the Environmental Studies BA in the official academic catalog. Students interested in specialist environmental assessment, consulting, or regulated roles should check the relevant professional requirements.
Salary Information: The official programme sources do not provide a verified salary figure specifically for Environmental Studies BA graduates. Earnings depend on the role, location, experience, and additional qualifications.
Graduate Preparation: The senior research sequence, GIS coursework, field methods, and internship opportunities help students build research, analytical, and communication skills that can support career development or postgraduate study.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can consider master's degrees in environmental management, environmental policy, sustainability, conservation, natural resource management, urban planning, or related fields. Students interested in environmental law can pursue law school after completing the BA, subject to admission requirements. Those seeking a more research-focused career may pursue postgraduate study in environmental science, ecology, geography, or climate-related disciplines, depending on their academic preparation and the entry requirements of the institution.