Earn your Environmental Science, B.A. at ÐÔÊÓ½ç and pair real environmental science with law, policy, nonprofit work, or a second major.

Caring about the environment doesn’t mean you have to choose between science and everything else you are interested in. The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science at ÐÔÊÓ½ç is built for students who want a real scientific foundation in environmental issues, without a curriculum so math and lab-heavy that it crowds out a second major, a minor, or a career path in law, policy, or nonprofit work.

The Environmental Science, B.A. gives you the same grounding in the biological, chemical, and physical systems that shape the planet as our B.S. program, while leaving room in your schedule to build the interdisciplinary background that environmental work increasingly demands, whether that means pairing your degree with political science, communication, business, or another field entirely.

  • Career-Focused Environmental Science with Ecology and Sustainability Pathways. The Environmental Science, B.A. is built for students who know they want an environmental focus but don’t want to commit their entire schedule to STEM focused work. The curriculum integrates the biological, chemical, and physical processes of the Earth with the human dimensions of environmental problem-solving, while allowing you to graduate with an understanding of both the science and the policy, communication, and advocacy work built on top of it.

  • Hands-On Fieldwork, Research, and Applied Learning. Students move beyond the B.A. classroom through field investigations, laboratory experiences, undergraduate research, and opportunities to apply scientific methods to real environmental challenges. These experiences build practical skills in data collection, analysis, scientific communication, and evidence-based decision-making.

  • Personalized Mentoring and Access to Regional Environmental Organizations. Students receive close faculty advising and are connected with internships, volunteer experiences, and professional opportunities through conservation organizations, government agencies, and other environmental partners in the greater Chicago region. Course options and experiential opportunities associated with organizations such as the Morton Arboretum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium further extend learning into professional settings.

What You’ll Learn in Environmental Science, B.A. Program

The Environmental Science, B.A. curriculum builds a working understanding of environmental science while keeping room in your schedule for coursework outside the major.

Students develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:

  • Ecology and Ecosystem Function
  • Conservation Principles
  • Environmental Policy and Law
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Sustainability and Green Systems
  • Environmental Data Collection and Analysis
  • Scientific Communication for Non-Scientific Audiences
  • The Human Dimensions of Environmental Problem-Solving

This combination prepares graduates for environmental-adjacent careers, advocacy and policy work, and further students in law, public policy, or environmental fields.

A Flexible Fit for Double Majors, Minors, and Interdisciplinary Interests

The Environmental Science, B.A. is most often taken alongside a second major or multiple minors, and it’s a natural fit for students who want an environmental credential without an environmental-science-only career. Common pairings include:

  • Pre-Law - Build a science foundation to support future study and practice in Environmental Law.
  • Political Science or Public Policy - Combine environmental science with the policy tools to act on it.
  • Communication or Nonprofit-Focused Coursework - Prepare for advocacy, outreach, or program roles with conservation and environmental nonprofits.
  • Business - Pair environmental science with the skills to lead sustainability initiatives inside organizations.

Why Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science at ÐÔÊÓ½ç?

ÐÔÊÓ½ç’s Environmental Science, B.A. The program combines a genuine scientific foundation with the flexibility to pursue everything else you’re interested in.

Program highlights include:

  • Coursework grounded in the biological, chemical, and physical processes of the Earth, without the full lab-science course load of the B.S.
  • Field investigations, laboratory experience, and undergraduate research built into the degree
  • Room in your schedule for a double major, minors, or pre-law preparation
  • Internships and volunteer opportunities with conservation organizations and government agencies across the Chicago region
  • Course options and experiential learning at partner institutions such as the Morton Arboretum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium
  • Small classes and direct access to faculty mentors who help you build a schedule around your combined interests

Recent Environmental Science graduates have gone on to ecological, sustainability, and graduate placements with organizations including the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Illinois Audubon Society, the Morton Arboretum, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, as well as graduate programs at Duke University, Ohio State University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Environmental Science, B.A. Career Opportunities

An Environmental Science, B.A. prepares graduates for roles that sit at the intersection of environmental science and policy, law, communication, or nonprofit work.

Environmental Science, B.A. graduates may pursue careers or further study such as:

  • Environmental Law (with continued legal education)
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Nonprofit Program or Outreach Coordinator
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Environmental Compliance Specialist
  • Conservation Organization Staff
  • Government Environmental Agency Roles
  • Graduate Study in Environmental Science, Policy, or Law

Sample Environmental Science, B.A. Courses

Students in Environmental Science, B.A. program complete coursework that builds environmental science knowledge while leaving room for a second major or minor.

Sample courses may include:

  • General Ecology and Evolution
  • Principles of Environmental Science
  • Conservation Biology  
  • Earth Science
  • Sustainability

Unlike the B.S. track, the B.A. does not require coursework in Biostatistics, Organic Chemistry, or Calculus. Course offerings may vary. Refer to the academic catalog or current program requirements.

VIEW THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM


Environmental Science, B.A. vs. Environmental Science, B.S.

Both environmental science degree options build a genuine understanding of the field, but each is designed for a different path forward.

The Environmental Science, B.A. offers a more flexible curriculum and is most often taken as part of a double major or alongside multiple minors. It’s a common choice for students planning to work with non-profits or pursue Environmental Law, and it does not require coursework in Biostatistics, Organic Chemistry, or Calculus.

The Environmental Science, B.S. places great emphasis on laboratory science, chemistry, and quantitative coursework. Students aiming for research-focused careers, fieldwork-heavy roles, or graduate study in the sciences typically choose the B.S. pathway.

Related Programs

Students interested in related fields may also explore:

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with an Environmental Science B.A. degree?
An Environmental Science, B.A. prepares graduates for roles that combine environmental science with policy, law, nonprofit work, or communication, including environmental policy analysis, nonprofit program coordination, sustainability roles, and continued study in Environmental Law.

What is the difference between an Environmental Science B.A. and Environmental Science B.S.?
The Environmental Science, B.A. offers a more flexible curriculum without required coursework in Biostatistics, Organic Chemistry, or Calculus, making it easier to pair with a double major or minors. The Environmental Science, B.S. emphasizes laboratory science and quantitative coursework for students pursuing research-focused careers or graduate study in the sciences.

Is the Environmental Science B.A. a good choice for pre-law students?
Yes. The Environmental Science, B.A. is a common choice for students planning to pursue Environmental Law, providing a scientific foundation that pairs well with pre-law preparation.

Can I double major or add a minor with the Environmental Science B.A.?
Yes. The B.A.'s lighter lab-science course load is designed to leave room for a second major, multiple minors, or interdisciplinary coursework in fields like political science, communication, or business.

Does Environmental Science, B.A. program include fieldwork and research?
Yes. Field investigations, laboratory coursework, and undergraduate research are part of the program, and students have access to experiential learning opportunities through partners such as the Morton Arboretum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium

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