Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • Hybrid • 120 Credits
Environmental and sustainability studies focus on the relationship between human societies and the natural environment, emphasizing the development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Overview
Grand Valley's environmental and sustainability studies major is a place-based, solutions-oriented program in Michigan, offered as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Grand Valley State University's Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) major gives students a holistic, place-based, and solutions-oriented education. Students explore the interconnected physical, institutional, and cultural systems that shape our attitudes and behaviors toward the environment. The program emphasizes practical approaches to environmental issues through collaborative problem-solving, research, internships, and community-based projects, preparing students to become effective leaders and decision-makers in the field of sustainability.
In the ENS program, you will engage in a diverse array of courses that span social and cultural perspectives, physical and life sciences, and political and economic viewpoints. Additionally, you can choose from technical skills electives and a focus area to align your academics with your specific interests or goals, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive education. Focus area options include sustainable food systems, energy and climate change, water resources, or culture and the built environment.
The program's strong emphasis on:
- Experiential Learning.
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum.
- Learning the skills and knowledge needed to address complex environmental problems.
- Graduates becoming well-prepared for careers in industry, government, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is environmental and sustainability studies?
Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between human societies and the natural environment, with a focus on developing practical, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
What focus areas does GVSU's environmental and sustainability studies major offer?
GVSU offers sustainable food systems, energy and climate change, water resources, culture and the built environment.
Is environmental and sustainability studies a B.A. or a B.S. at GVSU?
Yes. At Grand Valley State University, Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) is offered as both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Students can choose the option that best aligns with their interests, career goals, and academic strengths.
What can you do with an environmental and sustainability studies degree?
An Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) degree prepares you to address environmental challenges by combining knowledge from science, policy, economics, culture, and community engagement. Because it is interdisciplinary, graduates work across government, nonprofits, consulting firms, private industry, education, and sustainability-focused organizations.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies Department
324
Lake Ontario Hall
(616) 331-8016
(616) 331-8016
Career Opportunities
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 52,217.28 | 10% |
| $ 61,052.15 | 25% |
| $ 76,102.81 | 50% |
| $ 94,679.49 | 75% |
| $112,345.18 | 90% |
Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other structures in compliance with site assessment and schematics. May include measuring, cutting, assembling, and bolting structural framing and solar modules. May perform minor electrical work such as current checks.
Top skills- Installation
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 38,234.31 | 10% |
| $ 44,550.24 | 25% |
| $ 47,031.99 | 50% |
| $ 57,809.29 | 75% |
| $ 60,454.60 | 90% |
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 23,177.70 | 10% |
| $ 29,942.38 | 25% |
| $ 38,319.76 | 50% |
| $ 53,632.06 | 75% |
| $ 82,288.80 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
79%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
"Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America"
- Niche.com
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies Scholarships
- Nichols Sustainability Scholarship
- Peace and Justice Activist Scholarship
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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