Earth and Environmental Sciences, BA
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
Moderate
- Initial Math Course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
Required Courses (Major Map)
This program's name has changed effective Fall 2024. The previous name was Earth and Environmental Studies.
Program Description
The BA in Earth and environmental sciences helps students understand the function and evolution of the world and the vulnerabilities of the environment. The degree provides broad training in physical science and geoscience, with emphasis on understanding Earth's life-sustaining surface environment.
The program explores climate change, energy resources, natural hazards, ocean environments and implications for sustainable human civilizations, empowering graduates to help Arizona and the global community address many critical environmental challenges facing society.
Elective tracks allow students to focus their studies on climate and environmental change, environmental policy, sustainability, Earth resources, environmental management or environmental education.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
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Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Geosciences Institute project strong job growth in environmental science and geoscience. Graduates will be well prepared for "green" professional careers in fields such as environmental education, environmental reporting, public planning, environmental consulting and natural resource management, or for graduate school in related disciplines such as natural and environmental sciences or education, environmental public policy and environmental management.
Career opportunities include:
- conservation scientist or natural resource manager
- data analyst
- environmental monitoring and exposure assessor
- environmental or sustainability consultant or planner
- environmental protection or remediation scientist, consultant or manager
- environmental specialist, analyst or technician
- natural hazards assessment and mitigation specialist
- public policy and planning specialist
- science teacher
- water resources specialist
Career settings include:
- educational institutions
- environmental consulting firms
- environmental engineering firms
- federal, state and local government agencies
- museums
- nongovernmental organizations
- nonprofit organizations
- publishing companies
- regulatory agencies
- utility companies
For more information, please see thecareer opportunities page on the School of Earth and Space Exploration website.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Data Scientists
- Growth: 35.2%
- Median Salary*: 103500
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Growth: 0.7%
- Median Salary*: 61690
Conservation Scientists
- Growth: 4.1%
- Median Salary*: 64460
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Environmental Restoration Planners
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 4.2%
- Median Salary*: 83040
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
- Growth: 14.8%
- Median Salary*: 48110
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 1%
- Median Salary*: 62360
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 0.8%
- Median Salary*: 61810
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
Not only is the physical environment varied across the globe, so is the human treatment of it. Global education programs allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the global environment, how culture affects the environment and how to best communicate environmental research to a diverse audience. Programs are offered in a variety of countries around the world.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- sese-advising@asu.edu
- 480/965-5081