Environmental and Sustainability Studies, B.A., B.S.
Environmental and sustainability studies (ENS) students develop holistic, place-based, and solutions-oriented understandings of today's environmental challenges.
Program Overview
Students explore the ways interconnected physical, institutional, and cultural systems shape our attitudes and behavior toward the environment. The program emphasizes practical approaches to issues through collaborative problem-solving and involvement in research, internships, and community-based projects.
Students pursuing a major in ENS may choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and complete 35 to 37 credits, plus the B.A. or B.S. program requirements. Students select interdisciplinary coursework from at least one of four focus areas: sustainable food systems, energy, water resources, and culture and the built environment.
The ENS major is designed with the intention for students to easily combine and supplement it with another major, minor, or certificate to further expand knowledge and career options.
A minor in ENS is available with the completion of 21 credits. Visit gvsu.edu/ens for more information about the program.
Why Study Environmental and Sustainability Studies at Grand Valley?
- Make connections to pursue a career as an environmental and sustainability professional in industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
- Develop skills in communication, advocacy, outreach, education, and research.
- Acquire first-hand experience addressing complex environmental problems through community-based learning, internships, and research projects.
- Engage in campus sustainability activities at Michigan's top-rated green university.
- Gain the broad educational background needed to create positive change as leaders, decision-makers, and citizens.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Classes for this program are a combination of online and in-seat at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus.
Format:Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
gvsu.edu/ens
167 Lake Michigan
Hall
(616) 331-8016
[email protected]