Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary BA degree program that develops a comprehensive understanding of the changing environment derived from the disciplines of anthropology, history, sociology, geosciences, and other social and natural sciences. The curriculum is composed of rigorous social science and policy-based courses that will prepare students for graduate study and careers in environment-related fields such as cultural resource management, journalism, education, law, and government service. The program also emphasizes experiential and ethical learning that encourages students to be agents of sustainable change in their own community. The proposed program will complement the newly proposed Environmental Sciences BS Program and the newly established Urban Ecology Center at Cal State LA. 

The Environmental Studies major allows students to understand relationships between people and their environment. Students pursuing the Environmental Studies BA will learn valuable skills to become generally competent and comfortable in using problem-solving methods and data, performing analyses, assessing information related to environmental topics, and proposing effective action for concerned citizens. Strong listening, analytic, and argumentation skills are important to communicate ideas from various perspectives and describe practical solutions for environmental problems. Environmental Studies students will also develop skills in using scientific language, technology, models, and strategies appropriate to the environmental sector that they will need to express themselves to various audiences.
 

Honors Program in the Environmental Studies Major 

The Environmental Studies B.A. offers an Honors Program for highly motivated students.  The honors program introduces honors students to an intensive research experience and thorough study in selected areas of environmental studies. Honors students conduct an independent research project under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member who has agreed to be a thesis mentor.   The honors student will write an honors thesis while enrolled in Environmental Studies Honors Thesis (ENVS 4010).  Students may do preliminary work toward the thesis in a previous course or directed study.  Those who successfully complete the Honors Program will have their diplomas and transcripts designated with:  “Graduated with Departmental Honors in Environmental Studies.” 

Honors Program Basic Eligibility Criteria are:

• Senior class standing
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Completion of these two core requirements:  ENVS 2000 and an Environmental Studies Research Methods course 
• Completion of at least three additional upper-division required or elective courses in the Environmental Studies Major

 Admission Criteria  Learning Outcomes   Roadmap (2024)