Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Integrate your education with global responsibility. With your Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies degree earned online from Ashford University, you demonstrate your understanding of complex cultural, social, and environmental issues at levels both local and global.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary degree between science, social science, and the humanities. In this curriculum, you will learn in detail how human civilization interacts with our natural surroundings, our deep impact on nature, and possible solutions to environmental problems. Your courses cover such subjects as ecology, biology, ethics, public policy, and energy production.

Career Opportunities
An increasing sense of global urgency has created a demand for environmental experts. You may choose to enter one of the areas of business or industry for which your degree has prepared you, or to pursue careers with local, state, or federal government. Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies include:

• Conservation planner
• Ecology surveyor
• Environmental impact analyst
• Natural resource specialist
• Restoration expert
• Climate activist

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies degree program will be able to:

• Demonstrate specific knowledge of material, information, and techniques in the natural sciences relating to a career in the environmental fields;
• Evaluate the specific knowledge of material and information in the humanities and social sciences relating to a career in the environmental fields; 
•  Apply critical reading, thinking, and communication skill using language specific to the environmental fields; 
•  Implement appropriate current technologies that allow work and knowledge in the field to meet or exceed course expectations; and 
•  Demonstrate critical thinking, reading, and integration skills in the analysis of complex situations in order to develop descriptions, interpretations, and solutions regarding issues in the environmental fields.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
• Major Course Requirements: 43 credits*
• Electives: 35 credits

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.

* In this program, 10 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement.
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements


Competencies

Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $402 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Learn in detail how human civilization interacts with our natural surroundings, our deep impact on nature, and possible solutions to environmental problems. Your courses cover such subjects as ecology, biology, ethics, public policy, and energy production.

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take the Student Success Orientation and one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(43 credits, all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

ENV 230 Concepts of Sustainability
This course is designed to provide a sound understanding of the ecological, technological, economic, political, and ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability. Through the study of selected incidents and current projects, students will examine food systems, transportation, energy, urbanization, rainforests and global climate change, and defend a position in sustainability.

SCI 207 Dependence of Man on the Environment (4 credits)
In this course, learners deepen their understanding of the importance of natural resources to mankind. Students explore physical, biological, and ecological principles, examine how human alterations affect the environment, and reflect on the controversies, surrounding various approaches to addressing environmental problems and the steps some communities have taken to address these challenges.

ENV 300 Environmental Biology
A study of biodiversity. The origin and evolutionary history of biodiversity, including the geological forces that shaped its course, will be discussed. This course will be made pertinent through discussions of the impact of human activity on biodiversity and subsequent impact on the human population.

ENV 345 Business & the Environment
An environmental economics approach is used to illustrate the impact of the firm on the environment and environmental policy on the firm. Cost-benefits analysis is developed in student-driven research projects.

LIB 315 The Environment & the Human Spirit
An interdisciplinary examination of humanity's spiritual relationship with the natural world. The course will explore contemporary environmental issues in the context of theology, philosophy, literature, film, music, visual art, and other representations of the human imagination.

POL 310 Environmental Policies
Examines political, social, and economic policies and their impact on the global environment. Also explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.

ENG 328 Scientific & Technical Writing
Students will develop the skills necessary for writing about scientific, environmental, medical, and technological topics. Emphasis is placed on making complex and technical information understandable to a variety of audiences.

ENV 322 Energy & Environmental Systems
This course is designed to provide knowledge relative to the relationship between energy consumption, energy generation, their related externalities, and conservation in the context of diminishing reserves of fossil fuels and increasing availability of renewable resources. Students will defend a position related to a particular energy source and its effect on the environment.

ENV 325 Environmental Management
This course examines the issues in the urban environment and the interactions between theory and policy relating to urbanization, industrialization and the impact of population growth on the environment.

ENV 330 Environmental Ethics
This course is a study of the ethical dimensions of selected contemporary environmental controversies. Students will examine the major theoretical approaches to environmental ethics, value systems, and specific issues including biodiversity and wilderness preservation.

ENV 333 Environmental Impact
Following the guidelines set by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its subsequent modifications, students will learn the fundamental methods of analysis required for conducting a robust Environment Impact Statement (EIS). Students will learn the fundamental elements of an EIS through the examination of contemporary cases.

GEO 308 GIS Software Application
This course is an introduction to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software that is widely used to conduct spatial analysis in the areas of environmental science, business, defense and intelligence, education, government, health and human services, public safety, transportation, and utilities and communication. Students will learn the ArcGIS system and become experienced in the analysis of spatially related data and the digitized map system. Note: this course requires the student to purchase a proprietary software application.

ENV 495 Environmental Research
Students will conduct extensive research into a selected topic or incident and analyze the findings for use in the final project for the Capstone course utilizing geographic information system software.

ENV 497 Environmental Studies Capstone
The Capstone course is an extended application of the skills and concepts learned throughout the program for the development of the final project. Students will apply research, interpret results, and compile the findings into the final research report or proposal on the selected topic.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat With a Counselor

With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.