Environmental Studies Concentration

The environmental studies concentration is for students who are intrigued by the challenges of environmental planning, regulation and policy, and for those interested in educating the public about environmental issues.

TU students seated outside

The environmental studies concentration prepares you for careers that involve the resolution of environmental conflicts through specialized training and an interdisciplinary approach. You’ll learn from faculty members representing a broad range of expertise, including geography, philosophy, political science, economics, health, sociology, biology, chemistry, geology, ecology, mathematics and education.

Further integration of the various disciplines occurs during the research or internship opportunity that all students complete toward the end of their program of study.

Your Degree Options

Students in the environmental studies concentration choose from the following tracks: environmental geographical analysis, environmental policy/management, environmental health, directed environmental studies, or informal environmental education. You can view degree requirements and course descriptions for these tracks in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Environmental Geographical Analysis Track

The environmental geographical analysis track prepares students to address environmental challenges through the application of  geographic information systems (GIS) and other geographic tools. This track is designed for students interested in environmental planning, sustainable development, GIS or remote sensing. You’ll explore the spatial relationships between natural systems and the built environment.

Graduates work as GIS analysts and in resource management and planning agencies in the public and private sectors. Others continue on to graduate studies.

Environmental Policy/Management Track

The environmental policy/management track is designed for students interested in issues related to infrastructure development and implementation of environmental programs, policies and regulations.

Many classes focus on environmental problems in the adjacent urban/suburban area and their impact on the surrounding region and its residents. This work develops valuable knowledge and skills that will be transferable to other areas as you advance your career.

Graduates work in local, state or national governmental agencies, and the non-profit and private sectors. Others continue on to graduate studies.

Environmental Health Track

The environmental health track is designed for students interested in the impact the environment has on human health. Course work explores topics ranging from the local to the international. You might consider how sanitation impacts Baltimore’s urban populations, or research the effects of improved water sources on a rural community in Africa.

Graduates often work with local health departments or water/air protection agencies. Others continue on to graduate studies.

Directed Environmental Studies Track

The directed environmental studies track is designed for students with broad environmental interests who wish to explore multiple perspectives. You’ll work with your academic adviser to develop a coherent course of study that includes electives and meets all program requirements. This track will prepare you for a wide range of potential career paths and graduate studies, depending upon the specific electives you select.

Informal Environmental Education Track

The informal environmental education track prepares students to educate the public on environmental issues. You’ll learn how to help public audiences appreciate the importance of our natural systems and to understand the threats these systems face.

This track will prepare you for positions as park naturalists/educators working in federal, state and local parks and as educators in the private sector. The program is also an excellent foundation for graduate studies. Students have opportunities for internships and jobs at nearby environmental preservation, conservation and education organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, the Oregon Ridge Nature Center, the Marshy Point Nature Center, the Irvine Nature Center and the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy.