Environmental Studies, BA: Sustainability and Environmental Management
The Environmental Studies major provides graduates with the necessary skills to contribute to society and effectively work on challenging problems that face humanity. Students acquire knowledge in environmental economics, environmental health, sustainability, renewable resources, and environmental management. In addition, they have an in-depth understanding of the human-environment interconnection, knowledge of international and domestic environmental issues, and are well-versed in environmental policies and how these policies are set and changed.
The Sustainability and Environmental Management concentration is designed to help students understand the nature of environmental constraints which face organizations and individuals in the modern world, and to understand how these constraints can be effectively considered as part of the decision-making process in for-profit and non-profit organizations.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 35. Double majors may entail more course units.
This concentration is for students who have a background in either the Natural or the Social Sciences.
For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/earth/environmental-studies/sustainability-and-environmental-management-concentration
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| ENVS 1000 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Global Climate Change | ||
| Earth Systems Science | ||
| Natural Disturbances and Disasters | ||
| Earth and Life Through Time | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Select 1 Data Analysis & Statistics course | 1 | |
| Attribute: AESD | ||
| Select 1 Economics & Policy course | 1 | |
| Attribute: AESE | ||
| ENVS 3100 | Environmental Case Studies | 1 |
| or ENVS 3991 | Topics in Environmental Studies | |
| Select 1 Geographical or Environmental Modeling course | 1 | |
| Attribute: AESG | ||
| ENVS 4997 | Senior Thesis (Semester I) | 1 |
| ENVS 4997 | Senior Thesis (Semester II) | 1 |
| Sustainability & Environmental Management | ||
| EAS 4010 | Energy and Its Impacts: Technology, Environment, Economics, Sustainability | 1 |
| or EAS 4020 | Renewable Energy and Its Impacts: Technology, Environment, Economics, Sustainability. | |
| Select 1 Environmental Economics course | 1 | |
| Attribute: AESC | ||
| Select 1 Environmental Policy course | 1 | |
| Attribute: AEPC | ||
| Select 2 Management courses | 2 | |
| Attribute: AESW | ||
| Select 2 4000 or 5000-level Concentration Electives | 2 | |
| Attribute: AESB | ||
| Attribute: AESC | ||
| Attribute: AESH | ||
| Attribute: AESL | ||
| Attribute: AESO | ||
| Attribute: AESS | ||
| Attribute: AESW | ||
| Curriculum-Related Practical Experience | ||
| Field course or equivalent experience | ||
| Field Course Attribute: AESF | ||
| Total Course Units | 35 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
Honors
Applicants must have a 3.25 GPA in the major and complete Senior Thesis with a B+ or above.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.