Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Learn in detail how human civilization interacts with our natural surroundings, our deep impact on nature, and possible solutions to environmental problems. Your courses cover such subjects as ecology, biology, ethics, public policy, and energy production.

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's® introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education

This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment

This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(43 semester credits. All classes are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

ENV 230 Concepts of Sustainability

This course is designed to provide a sound understanding of the ecological, technological, economic, political, and ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability. Through the study of selected incidents and current projects, students will examine food systems, transportation, energy, urbanization, rainforests and global climate change, and defend a position in sustainability.

SCI 207 Dependence of Man on the Environment (4 credits)

In this course, learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore physical, biological, and ecological principles, examine how human alterations affect the environment, and reflect on the controversies, surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

ENV 300 Environmental Biology

A study of biodiversity. The origin and evolutionary history of biodiversity, including the geological forces that shaped its course, will be discussed. This course will be made pertinent through discussions of the impact of human activity on biodiversity and subsequent impact on the human population. Prerequisite: an introductory biology course or SCI 207. (Cross-listed as BIO 300.)

ENV 345 Business & the Environment

An environmental economics approach is used to illustrate the impact of the firm on the environment and environmental policy on the firm. Cost-benefits analysis is developed in student-driven research projects. (Cross-listed as BUS 345.)

LIB 315 The Environment & the Human Spirit

An interdisciplinary examination of humanity's spiritual relationship with the natural world. The course will explore contemporary environmental issues in the context of theology, philosophy, literature, film, music, visual art, and other representations of the human imagination. Prerequisite: ENG 122.

POL 310 Environmental Policies

Examines political, social, and economic policies and their impact on the global environment. Also explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment. (Cross-listed as ENV 310.)

ENG 328 Scientific &Technical Writing

Students will develop the skills necessary for writing about scientific, environmental, medical, and technological topics. Emphasis is placed on making complex and technical information understandable to a variety of audiences. Prerequisites: ENG 122 and satisfaction of the Physical World GE requirement.

ENV 322 Energy & Environmental Systems

This course is designed to provide knowledge relative to the relationship between energy consumption, energy generation, their related externalities, and conservation in the context of diminishing reserves of fossil fuels and increasing availability of renewable resources. Students will defend a position related to a particular energy source and its effect on the environment.

ENV 325 Environmental Management

This course examines the issues in the urban environment and the interactions between theory and policy relating to urbanization, industrialization and the impact of population growth on the environment.

ENV 330 Environmental Ethics

This course is a study of the ethical dimensions of selected contemporary environmental controversies. Students will examine the major theoretical approaches to environmental ethics, value systems, and specific issues including biodiversity and wilderness preservation.

GEO 308 GIS Software Application

This course is an introduction to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software that is widely used to conduct spatial analysis in the areas of environmental science, business, defense and intelligence, education, government, health and human services, public safety, transportation, and utilities and communication. Students will learn the ArcGIS system and become experienced in the analysis of spatially related data and the digitized map system. Note: this course requires the student to purchase a proprietary software application.

ENV 333 Environmental Impact

Following the guidelines set by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its subsequent modifications, students will learn the fundamental methods of analysis required for conducting a robust Environment Impact Statement (EIS). Students will learn the fundamental elements of an EIS through the examination of contemporary cases.

ENV 495 Environmental Research

Students will conduct extensive research into a selected topic or incident and analyze the findings for use in the final project for the Capstone course utilizing geographic information system software.

ENV 497 Environmental Studies Capstone

The Capstone course is an extended application of the skills and concepts learned throughout the program for the development of the final project. Students will apply research, interpret results, and compile the findings into the final research report or proposal on the selected topic.

If this program sounds like it will fit your personal and professional goals, contact us at 866-711-1700 to learn more, or click here to request additional information.