Environmental Studies - BS

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

About This Degree

Environmental studies majors learn about the ecology of natural areas and about the political, economic, geographic, and social aspects of nature and its management.

Students focus on natural resource and environmental issues confronting society as they look for solutions that can sustain both the natural environment and human communities.

What You Will Learn

The environmental studies degree introduces students to the breadth of issues, concerns, and opportunities that arise from humans’ complex relationships with nature.

After this broad introduction, students can focus on specific topics that can help humanity live more sustainably on the earth, such as communication, planning, policy analysis, entrepreneurship, and more.

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in environmental studies, graduates can pursue the following careers:

  • Environmental communicators or educators in business, government, or nonprofit organizations
  • Advocates for environmental causes or natural resource constituencies
  • Public land management
  • Manage organizations’ compliance with environmental regulations
  • Conduct audits of internal environmental efficiency 
  • Work with international programs fostering sustainable development
  • Sustainable forestry network and the native forest council
  • Natural resources defense council member
  • Geographic data analyst
  • Laboratory analyst
  • Industrial environmental manager
  • Environmental scientist
  • Environmental activist

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

Schedule an Appointment

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the environmental studies program has special requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions or from other USU majors need a 2.5 total GPA to be admitted to the major. Special attention will be given to the amount of, and performance in, prerequisite math and science courses.
  • The above criteria are for all students except for those with a first major or previous USU degree in recreation resource management.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Take The Next Step

You May Also Be Interested In

Environmental Planning

Prepare for a career helping communities plan for growth and development in a collaborative program that prepares you for engaging work, from analysis to planning, as you inform better land-use decisions and policies.

Environmental Studies Loading...

When you’re interested in learning about naturals resources and the environment but you’re not majoring in those topics, this is the minor for you. Learn the basic ecological principles, plus best practices for tourism and sustainability.

Geography

Explore the relationships between human society and the physical environment while delving into research about the earth’s resources, whether you choose to specialize in mapping and information analysis or the dynamics of human behavior.

Landscape Architecture

Develop artistic problem-solving skills as you gain hands-on experience in this accredited, studio-based program that prepares you to become a landscape architect with access to unique study abroad opportunities and internships.