If you have an interest in shaping environmental policy, addressing sustainability issues, and taking on environmental challenges, consider our interdisciplinary program in environmental studies.
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Arts
38-40
Minor
19-21
If you have an interest in shaping environmental policy, addressing sustainability issues, and taking on environmental challenges, consider our interdisciplinary program in environmental studies.
In our BA in environmental studies, you choose from two concentrations, one focused on environmental policy and the other centered on environmental communication. Both options provide you with the benefit of working with our expert faculty across a wide range of subject matter.
The program will help you develop cross-cutting and interdisciplinary skills to prepare you to address environmental issues through policy initiatives and/or communication strategies.
At UHart, you will have opportunities to do research with faculty and have access to internships to prepare you for a rewarding career addressing sustainability and environmental issues for industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. You can also consider applying to law school or to graduate programs in communication, economics, public policy, or public administration.
Examples of careers include
The average annual pay for an Environmental Policy Analyst in the United States is $81,747 as of Feb. 2023 according to Zip Recruiter.
Employment of environmental communication specialists with a bachelor’s degree is projected to grow 11%, faster than the 7% average for all occupations with a median pay of $62,810 annually according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median pay for an environmental geographer with a bachelor’s degree is $85,430 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You must complete a total of 38-40 credits. A total of eight required core courses (26-27 credits) provides you with a foundation in various approaches to the environment—environmental science and ecology, biostatistics, environmental ethics, environmental policy, and environmental communication. A required internship and required capstone experience offer real-world, hands-on opportunities that help students prepare for postgraduate careers.
You complete an additional 12-13 credits in your area of interest. You select from two areas of concentration.
You take the following courses
Choose an additional elective such as
You take the following courses
Choose an additional elective such as
For more information, and to see a complete list of requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Our interdisciplinary minor in environmental studies complements a variety of majors including art, business, history, politics and government, sociology, and more.
You must complete 19-21 credits including the following courses:
In addition, electives are required in the Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences categories. Examples include:
For more information, and to see a complete list of minor requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Psychology, Environmental Studies and Math Minors , '24
Myalia cannot neglect her passion for the environment. She was awarded the well-respected Connecticut Sea Grant to support her research about Connecticut restaurants’ use of single-use plastics. Myalia reached out to nearly 100 restaurants along the Connecticut coast and 60 restaurant owners in Hartford, Middletown, and Glastonbury. So far, she’s discovered it’s challenging for them to find non-plastic or non-single use alternatives that are affordable.
Myalia is planning to apply to graduate school to study for a master’s degree in psychology and says she may do more research in plastics in the environment.
This project is incredibly important because it gets to the bottom of the issue of why we aren't stopping the use of plastics and what is preventing us from being able to use alternatives.
Students graduating with an BA in Environmental Studies will be able to:
If you have an interest in biology or chemistry and care about finding solutions to environmental problems and addressing sustainability issues, consider our environmental science major. At UHart, we offer you research and internship opportunities to jump start your career or prepare you for graduate studies.
Our politics and government program gives you the opportunity to explore your interests and get hands-on experience before you graduate.
In the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, you create advertising, public relations, and social media campaigns for real clients, all while learning how to effectively communicate with different target audiences.