Integrating Science, Society, and Policy

The Environmental Studies program is built on three interconnected pillars: the natural sciences, which ground students in core environmental and ecological principles; the humanities, which explore human relationships with the environment, culture, and ethics; and policy, which examines the systems and decision-making processes that shape environmental outcomes. Drawing on faculty expertise from both the Liberal Studies and Environmental Sciences programs, this interdisciplinary approach allows students to integrate these perspectives and design a personalized degree pathway aligned with their academic interests and career goals.

Environmental Studies

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An interdisciplinary program that connects students with Alaska’s unique setting for studying urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, resource and public lands management, and biodiversity loss
Students connect with faculty across the university to explore the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, policy, and Indigenous knowledge systems, gaining a multidisciplinary understanding of environmental issues from multiple perspectives
The program emphasizes bridging Western and Indigenous ways of knowing through applied, community-based, and experiential learning
The flexible curriculum allows students to design a personalized academic path aligned with their interests and career goals while preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in environmental fields through strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Environmental Studies students will graduate with hands-on experience and the research and problem-solving skills needed to lead the way toward a more sustainable future. The program’s flexibility allows students to design a personalized, interdisciplinary degree plan, making it an ideal choice for transfer students looking to maximize their previous credits.

Career Opportunities

Environmental Communications
Nonprofit Environmental Policy and Practice
Tribal Environmental Stewardship
Tribal Governance
State & Federal Environmental Agencies
Environmental Consulting
State and Federal Subsistence Agencies
Environmental Education
Community Organizing
Graduate School

This program brings together three pillars of environmental problem orientation and problem-solving: the sciences, humanities, and policy.

Environmental Sciences focuses on understanding natural, social, and Indigenous sciences and the research methods used to study communities and environments
Environmental Humanities explores human experience in relation to the environment through history, philosophy, literature, Indigenous studies, and the arts.
Environmental Policy examines environmental problem solving through public policy, law, management, and stewardship.

Together, these pillars provide an interdisciplinary lens for understanding complex environmental challenges, with a focus on issues especially relevant to Alaska’s future, including climate change, resilience, land and resource management, conservation, wildlife, food systems, and energy systems. Graduates master the ability to translate complex environmental data into actionable solutions, making them valuable in sustainability management, policy analysis, and environmental advocacy, amongst other sectors.

Sample classes at the undergraduate level:

Core Curriculum

Exploration of Social and Natural Science Research Methods
Ecology
Culture and the Environment
Environmental History
Environmental Ethics
Sustainable Communities
Environmental Policy and Assessment

Field Course Electives

Upper-Level Electives

Human Impacts on the Marine Environment
GIS and Remote Sensing
Indigenous Knowledge and the Sciences
Indigenous Research Methods
Outdoor Education and Interpretation
Land Management and Stewardship
Climate Change

Degree Completion

128 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self- determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Many undergraduate students enhance their major degrees in Marine and Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Alaska Native Governance, Psychology, Business, or Liberal Studies by adding a minor in Environmental Studies, which equips them with essential skills and knowledge to understand and address key environmental and cultural issues.

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
** If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher
If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

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