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Students hiking through a beautiful hill.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Build a better future for the next generation. Environmental studies at the University of St. Thomas provides you with the background knowledge, theory and skills needed to create an environmentally sustainable society.

Why Study Environmental Studies at St. Thomas?

We face complex environmental challenges every day. Our program addresses them by giving you knowledge in various fields, including environmental policy, research methods, geographic information systems, environmental communication and leadership. You will benefit from an interdisciplinary program that utilizes field study, internships and study abroad to bring a sustainable future to our society.

Examining Problems From Multiple Perspectives

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Internships and Research
  • Course Requirements

    You start out your undergraduate career by focusing on environmental problems and sustainability in your coursework which prepares you for a field seminar course in your senior year. Throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will also focus on courses in the social sciences, public policy, communication, ecological literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership which will give you a well-rounded skillset that is needed in a variety of industries.

    Four-Year Plan

    We offer a flexible program that can match your interests and goals, so we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

    Internships and Research

    All students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You start out your undergraduate career by focusing on environmental problems and sustainability in your coursework which prepares you for a field seminar course in your senior year. Throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will also focus on courses in the social sciences, public policy, communication, ecological literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership which will give you a well-rounded skillset that is needed in a variety of industries.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    We offer a flexible program that can match your interests and goals, so we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

    Internships and Research

    Internships and Research

    All students work closely on real-world projects with community partners, such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.

    Man walking his bike along a path.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools you need to succeed in a variety of careers and industries. Here are a few paths our alumni have followed after St. Thomas.

    • Park Naturalist
    • Environmental Journalist
    • Environmental Economist
    • Urban and Regional Planner
    • Corporate Sustainability Officer
    • Geographic Information Specialist

    Oh, the Places You Will Go

    You have access to numerous opportunities for mentorship, research and more inside and outside of the classroom with our program.

    $200,000

    St. Thomas has received $200,000 in student-led grants for various on-campus sustainability initiatives.

    Community Partnerships

    You can partner with organizations like the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Great Plains Restoration Council.

    Collaborative Research

    We promote research projects to all students in our program, and faculty are always eager to get you involved with what they are studying.

    Students on the grand stairway in Shoenecker Center

    Schoenecker Center

    The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new spaces for Environmental Studies students, including our Water & Environmental Engineering Lab and the Earth, Environment & Society department offices.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.