Environmental Studies Program

Bucknell University
provides unusually broad
environmental studies
options for undergraduates.

A bachelor of arts in environmental science and a bachelor of arts in environmental studies majors are offered to present to students the great scientific and human issues in contemporary environmental affairs.

Few environmental studies programs in America include the breadth of courses that Bucknell's does -- anthropology, engineering, chemistry, philosophy, religion, biology, geology, economics, English, geography, history, classics and philosophy are all represented. (See the environmental studies course lists in the University Catalogue.)

The environmental studies program at Bucknell was established in 1979. BA and BS majors in environmental studies have been awarded since 1990; the BA-environmental science was substituted for the BS in 2011. Presently about 35 students a year graduate with degrees in environmental studies -- typically 5 in BA-environmental science and 30 in BA-environmental studies. (See the 'Studies or science?' page.)

Four faculty members have joint or entire appointments in environmental studies. (A fifth position in environmental humanities should be filled by Fall 2013.) Two dozen other faculty members contribute to the department with courses, advising, committee support, and "capstone" courses. (See the 'Faculty and Staff' page.)

Our graduates go on to successful careers in governmental policy and planning jobs, environmental enforcement, non-profit organizations, law, teaching, corporate communications, research, and many other fields. The typical worker in environmental policy, planning, research, or management has professional training in one or two environmental fields, and works upon a few facets of a complex problem in collaboration with other experts. (See 'Alumni experiences'.)

Students with well-formed goals toward specific environmental careers should also look at the departmental majors available at Bucknell to learn if one of them would be the best preparation for the career they have in mind. The department of geology, for example, offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science degree in environmental geology.

Most environmental studies majors benefit from the chance to study abroad. Field-based programs -- such as School for Field Study or School for International Training -- are especially appropriate for environmental students. (See 'Student opportunities'.)

A recently established Environmental Center at Bucknell supports student and faculty research, study, and engagement. (See the Environmental Center pages.)