Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Learn about our physical world, and pursue solutions to some of its biggest challenges, with the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. This 123-credit, interdisciplinary undergraduate program, offered by the Department of Geography and Urban Studies, provides students with the tools needed to address crucial environmental issues, including climate change, environmental justice, food access, health, natural resource consumption and sustainability.

In the Environmental Studies program, you’ll strengthen your writing, communication and research skills, and learn technical skills in geographic information systems and mapping software. Your courses and research will expand your knowledge of subjects like

  • environmental policies and decision making;
  • global climate change;
  • environmental justice; 
  • health and the environment; 
  • natural hazards and risk assessment; and more.

You can design your career path by developing a personalized curriculum that focuses on one or more of the following themes.

  • Geographic methods
  • Globalization 
  • Social justice
  • Sustainability 

The Environmental Studies BA prepares students for careers in several fields including consulting, corporate environmental affairs, domestic and international nonprofit organizations, government environmental agencies, and more. Students also advance to graduate studies in environmental studies, law, planning and policy.

Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems 

In this 12-credit certificate, students receive an introduction to information technology and spatial analysis. You’ll work directly with mapping, statistical and visualization software, and learn to manipulate data sets and spatially display those results. Learn more about the Geographic Information Systems Undergraduate Certificate.

College of Liberal Arts honors students in the classroom.

Classes & Curriculum

The Environmental Studies BA is a 123-credit program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. Environmental-focused electives give students the opportunity to develop an area of emphasis around their particular interests. 

The following are examples of required and elective courses students can take in the Environmental Studies BA program. 

  • Environment and Society
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
  • Geography of Natural Resources
  • Physical Geography
  • Research Design in Environmental Studies
  • Spatial Statistics

Learn more about Environmental Studies Major required courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

*College of Science and Technology
**Tyler School of Art and Architecture

4+1 Dual Degree Programs

The Geographic Information Systems PSM accelerated degree is open to all students. It combines advanced training in geographic information systems (GIS) core skills with professional development and business ethics to prepare students to enter the GIS workforce. Students can apply for the accelerated degree between second semester sophomore year and first semester senior year.

The Geography and Urban Studies MA accelerated degree is open to Geography and Urban Studies and Environmental Studies majors. It prepares students for further graduate study, as well as for professional positions related to urban and economic development, environmental sustainability and social justice. Students can apply as early as the second semester of their sophomore year for entry in their junior year, or they can apply as late as the second semester of their junior year for entry during their senior year. 

Learn more about accelerated degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts.

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $17,976.00 per year
Out-of-state: $32,376.00 per year

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