Undergraduate Programs

Geography - Environmental Studies

Bachelor of Science – B.S. |
Undergraduate

students putting pins on a map

About the Program

Study the relationships between people, places and the natural environment. Be at the forefront of crucial topics like climate change, natural resource management and human geography – the exploration of how people impact and interact with their environment. You will combine scientific analysis with practical skills, preparing to address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.

#2
Top Public School in the West
U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges Ranking
Environmental Studies

The Polytechnic Experience

Develop environmental models in the GIS lab, analyze natural disasters to improve emergency preparedness, and evaluate community impact. Learn with the latest technologies and Æðµã´«Ã½ your studies in the field, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for graduate school or a career in environmental organizations, government, or private firms.

Courses

Æðµã´«Ã½â€™s Environmental Studies option in the Bachelor of Science in Geography emphasizes the analysis of environmental policies, management practices, and sustainability issues. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of how human activities impact natural systems and learn to develop strategies for mitigating these effects. Graduates are prepared for careers as environmental analysts, managers, or policy makers, with roles often found in government agencies, environmental organizations, and private sector firms. This option also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced studies in environmental science or related fields.

For the most up-to-date information on courses for this program, visit the course catalog or contact an advisor.

Kristen Conway-Gómez

Professor of Geography

Kristen Conway-Gómez

"As a human-environment geographer, my research is focused on peoples' use of natural resources, especially wildlife, in rural Latin American communities. My research examines the impacts of human use on wildlife with a goal of searching for conservation solutions. I have conducted research in Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras."