In this program, you’ll establish an understanding of Earth as a complex system, with a focus on the environment and the physical processes that affect it. Broadly, you’ll build knowledge about the natural sciences, with an emphasis on the physical, chemical and biological processes that define the function of the Earth’s surface environment. Core areas of learning include natural resources, hazards, life, geology, soils, oceans and climate, as well as their implications for a sustainable human society.
You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize in your interest area by selecting an elective track. You can either take five elective courses in the same track or explore various topics. Available tracks include:
- Climate and environmental change.
- Environmental education.
- Environmental management.
- Environmental policy.
- Natural resources.
- Sustainability.
Who’s a good fit for this bachelor’s program?
This program is ideal if you want to learn how to sustain our planet and understand the processes that regulate Earth’s systems. You’re also a good fit if you’re motivated to find solutions to problems such as climate change, natural hazards, environmental degradation and pollution.
Upon graduation, you’ll be empowered to drive environmental improvements in local and global communities. You’ll have the skills needed to pursue careers in environmental science research, conservation management, public policy development or advocacy. This program can also be a stepping stone to graduate studies in natural and environmental sciences, science journalism, public policy and environmental management.
How does this program compare to a conservation biology and ecology degree?
This Earth and environmental sciences degree emphasizes the natural processes that define our environment. Beyond the life sciences, this program delves into the realms of natural resources, biogeochemical cycles, natural hazards, human-environment interactions and other processes.
By comparison, a program such as ASU’s conservation biology and ecology degree concentration online focuses on preserving Earth’s biodiversity and sustaining healthy ecosystems. The conservation biology and ecology concentration is also a Bachelor of Science, which means it has higher requirements in math and statistics.
Are you interested in exploring the most pressing environmental challenges of today? Pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and environmental sciences to gain insight into the natural processes that affect our environment, how we interact with it and how it’s changing as a consequence. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for roles that address vulnerabilities in our environment and drive solutions to improve the human condition.
Your courses will provide a foundation for understanding the function and evolution of the world around us. Key topics include climate change, Earth's water, energy and material resources, natural hazards, the impact of land-use change on environmental health and more. This program culminates in a team-based capstone course that allows you to research and propose solutions for an environmental problem.
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”