Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is one of the most interesting, exciting and fastest growing fields. By combining cutting edge coursework in environmental science, policy, economics, and philosophy with real-world workshops and internships, Fairfield University's Environmental Studies program prepares students for the tremendous opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. At Fairfield, you can become part of the solution. ?Today's complex environmental issues require understanding the diversity of ways we think about the environment. Fairfield's Environmental Studies program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach that combines the study of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Such an understanding will complement and enhance careers in a great many fields, and give citizens the information they need to take an active and intelligent part in their own governance. Indeed, as concern for the environment and its links to economic prosperity and human health continues to grow, so too does the need for informed citizens to provide leadership on these issues. In response to this need, Fairfield's environmental program adds consideration of sustainability issues and helps students prepare for careers in science, policy, law, business, journalism, education, and medicine. As a student in the program, you'll be offered a wide choice of courses and perspectives that will enable you to learn about both the problems and potential solutions. The University is located on the shores of Long Island Sound, in an area of keen environmental awareness and a sizable educated population. Internships and research projects are plentiful because of local and regional concerns about these issues. The program opens these opportunities to you and gives a special focus to your career or graduate study objectives. Understanding the natural environment, human impacts on environmental systems, and human perspectives on these relationships is more important than ever. The environmental studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach that combines cutting edge coursework in the natural sciences, policy, economics, and the humanities; adds an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills; and provides plentiful opportunities for in-depth investigative research and applied experiential activities. Students completing the major in Environmental Studies will be able to: understand fundamental physical, chemical and biological processes impacting environmental issues; understand fundamental concepts from the social sciences and humanities impacting to environmental thought and policy; analyze environmental issues using tools appropriate to the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities; communicate effectively about complex environmental issues for expert and general audiences; critically evaluate the ramifications of human interaction with the environment from a scientific, social, and economic perspective; work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team that may contain multiple stakeholders with divergent goals; and bring awareness of social and environmental justice as important components of sustainable solutions. As a student in the program, you'll be offered a wide choice of courses and perspectives that will enable you to learn about both the problems and potential solutions. Internships and research projects are plentiful because of local and regional concerns about these issues. The program opens these opportunities to you and gives a special focus to your career or graduate study objectives.