Online Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Sciences
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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/22/2024
Total classes: 38
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What you’ll learn as an Earth and environmental sciences major
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.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
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.”
Online environmental sciences courses
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.
GLG 108: Water Planet (SCIT OR SQ)
GLG 305: Dynamic Earth
GLG 325: Oceanography
GLG 327: Earth's Critical Zone
GLG 464: Solving Environmental Problems
SES 220: Biology of a Changing Earth
SES 225: Global Biogeochemical Cycles
GLG 110: Dangerous World (SCIT OR SQ & G)
The jobs you can get with an environmental sciences degree
As an Earth and environmental sciences major, you’ll graduate equipped for careers ranging from environmental administration and public planning to environmental reporting and education. Additionally, increased environmental awareness has generated demand for those with science backgrounds in business and government roles. Additional career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Climate Change Analyst
Data Scientist
Elementary Teacher
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Protection Specialist
Environmental Restoration Planner
Environmental Sciences Professor
Forest Ranger
High School Teacher
Learn from leading experts in earth and environmental sciences
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.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Learn from leading experts in earth and environmental sciences
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.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
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 be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$170 million
in research expenditures in 2022.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
100+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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