Choosing between environmental studies and environmental science.

Environmental Science or Environmental Science?

The choice between a BA degree in environmental studies vs. a BA in environmetal science is an important decision for any potential environmental studies major, and the program committee wants to be sure that you make the choice wisely.

The environmental science degree is meant to provide substantial depth in the technical aspects of the discipline. (That major will always be a second major to a first BA major in chemistry, biology, or geology.) The environmental studies degree is designed for the student with an abiding interest in the general environmental problems faced by humans, with special concern for their social and policy aspects.

Many students are initially drawn to the 'science' degree because it might look more serious for future employers. But this isn't a good way to choose. In truth, employers hire people with many different skills, not just the technical skills that the 'science' degree favors.

Students in both degree programs should be quite successful in obtaining challenging and rewarding jobs.

The 'studies' degree is excellent preparation for graduate work in environmental management and related academic or professional fields -- geography, planning, etc.

The 'science' degree essentially requires the student to choose environmental science immediately upon arrival at Bucknell. Many students will change their minds about their academic interests in their first year or so; anyone who is not certain about their focus will have an easier time changing majors with the 'undecided' environmental studies option.

A student taking the 'science' option has up to 19 of their courses specified between the two major (versus 10 for the 'studies'), which leaves less room for the range of course work that is the hallmark of a liberal arts degree. For this reason, 'studies' students often have better-developed writing skills and a wider range of critical thinking skills, both of which are valuable for jobs and graduate school. .

'Studies' students have the opportunity to double major in a range of cognate fields like economics or Spanish, which can widen their professional options.

If a student who chooses the 'science' option discovers that they are less interested or less talented at the math- and science-intensive parts of environmental studies, they are more likely to graduate with a low grade point average than if they had started in the 'studies' program.

Please consult with the Program Director or any faculty member in the program for guidance in this choice. See the Faculty listings page.

Other departments offer more technical degrees relevant to environmental issues that might be appropriate for some students -- especially environmental geology and civil and environmental engineering.

Students expecting to pursue graduate study in a technical field (biology, geology, etc.) will be best prepared with the undergraduate degree closest to that field.