Sustainability is a growing field in both the public and private sectors. The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Sustainability and Decision-Making integrates coursework from across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, among others to prepare you for opportunities in a rapidly evolving global community.
This program, which is grounded in St. John’s Vincentian Mission, combines science and policy, helping you acquire the skills you need to solve today’s complex environmental sustainability problems. Environmental catastrophes disproportionately affect poor people in underdeveloped regions. As a graduate of the B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision Making, you will be a leader in addressing social injustice and its impact around the world. You may also pursue a pathway to the M.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision Making.
- Degree Type
- BA
- Area of Interest
- Social Sciences
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Required Credit Hours
- 120
Contact Us
Laura Schramm, Ph.D.
Program Director
Admission
For more information about admission to this and other undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission.
Courses
To earn the B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision-Making, you complete the major sequence and 19 elective credits in addition to your core requirements.
You must complete all of the following:
- ANT/ESP 1120C Human Ecology
- ESP 1010 Introduction to Ecological Principles or BIO 1000 Fundamentals of Biology I
- ESP 1020 Methods of Environmental Analysis
- ESP 2410 Principles and Practices of Sustainable Development
- ESP 2500 Environmental Management, Regulation, and Decision Making
- ESP 2990 Environmental Studies Major Seminar
- ESP 4990 Environmental Analysis Senior Seminar
- GEO 2001 Natural Resources and World Development
- GOV 1030 American National Government
- GOV 2160 American Environmental Politics and Politics or GOV 2170 Global Environmental Politics and Policies
- One course in Applied Statistics (MTH 1210, MTH 1020, MTH 1021, SOC 2610, or PSY 2030)
You may choose from among the following:
- ANT 1010 Introduction to Anthropology: Cultural
- ANT 1020 Introduction to Anthropology: Physical
- ANT 1030 Introduction to Archaeology
- ANT 4820 Archaeological Fieldwork
- BIO 1000 Fundamentals of Biology, I: Evolution/Populations
- BIO 1070 Environmental Biology
- BIO 1600 Field Biology
- BIO 2310; 2311 Botany; Lab
- BIO; ESP 3370; 3371 Ecology; Lab
- CHE 1210; 1220 General Chemistry I; II
- ECO 1301; 1302 Principles of Economics I; II
- ESP 1060 Field Studies: Bermuda
- ESP 2020 Geographic Information Systems
- ESP 2110 The Coastal Environment
- ESP 2150 Environmental Education
- ESP 2510; 2511 Aquatic Ecology; Lab
- ESP 3320; 3321 Resource Management
- ESP 3321 Resource Management Lab
- ESP 3490; 3491 Environmental Geology; Lab
- ESP 4000 Special Topics in Environmental Studies
- ESP 4903; 4906 Environmental Studies Internship
- ESP 4953; 4954 Undergraduate Research in Environmental Topics
- GEO 1001 World Geography
- GEO 1002 North American Geography
- GEO 2002 Special Issues in Conversation Biology
- GOV 1530 Introduction to Public Administration
- GOV 2470 State and Local Government Administration
- GOV 2480 Municipal Government Administration
- GOV 2510 American Political Organization
- GOV 2520 Politics of Environmental and Development
- GOV 3520 Public Opinion and Propaganda
- PHI 3720 Environmental Ethics
- PHI 3800; 3810 Philosophy of Science/Physical Science
- PHY 1060 Introduction to Astronomy
- PHY 1080 Our Planet
- PHY 1090 Meteorology
- PHY 1120 Energy and the Environment
- PHY 1210 Planet Earth - Form & Structure
- SOC 1080 Neighborhoods
- SOC 2630 Urban Sociology
- SOC 2460 Social Justice and the City
Career Outcomes
Sustainability is a growing field in both the private and public sectors, with job opportunities in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. As a graduate with an B.S. in Environmental Science, you will excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving global community, directly related to the vision and mission of St. John’s.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the job outlook for environmental scientists and specialists will grow by 11 percent (faster than average) through 2024. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identifies environmental Science as one of the top five projected highest paid mathematics and science majors at the master’s degree level. Coupled with projected growth in “green” jobs, this data shows that the B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision Making is a key opportunity for students interested in environmental sustainability.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural and social sciences to protect human and environmental health. Some act as researchers analyzing environmental problems and developing solutions. Others work at the policy level in governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Still others work in the private sector for consulting firms that help companies comply with regulations and policies.
Whether your focus is in science or policy, the B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision Making will help you develop the knowledge base, professional experience, and background in research to achieve your individual career goals.
Global Approach to Education
St. John’s offers an international academic experience through study abroad courses during the academic year as well as the winter and summer semesters. You can live and learn at the University’s Rome, Italy campus and Paris, France location. For more information about studying abroad, please visit Global Education.
Why Choose St. John's
In addition to the opportunity to work with internationally-renowned faculty on research projects, you may develop academically and professionally by joining the available student clubs, organizations, and honor societies pertaining to your major.
The Earth Club works to improve the environment and build campus awareness of environmental issues. Club members participate in the University’s Organic Food Garden and help recycle through technologies such as the A500 Rocket® model food composter, which St. John’s is the first university to implement.
Environmental Studies students also gain practical experience from program field trips to Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) Wetlands Nature Preserve and Windmill Pond Ecological Restoration Project, as well as through internships at leading agencies and corporations throughout the metropolitan area.
Student Stories
Proactive Environmental Studies Student Brings Passion to AmeriCorps
Nytia Jenkins, a student in the M.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision-Making program in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, recently served as an AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Summer Associate assigned to the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC).
Nytia Jenkins '23 St. John's College of Liberal Arts and SciencesHighlight
Nytia Jenkins, a student in the M.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Decision-Making program in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, recently served as an AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Summer Associate assigned to the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC).
