B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Environmental Justice
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, situated in Whittier, California, offers a unique and impactful Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Justice Studies. This interdisciplinary program goes beyond traditional environmental science, focusing specifically on the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities and the systemic roots of environmental inequality. It emphasizes social and racial justice, exploring the complex cultural relationships between diverse peoples and their environments, and challenging mainstream environmentalism to address issues of environmental colonialism and racism. The program aims to empower students to seek effective redress for environmental harms that disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples, low-income communities, and communities of color globally.
STEM-designated: While Environmental Justice Studies is a highly interdisciplinary field often rooted in the humanities and social sciences, it's important to note that Whittier College identifies "Environmental Science and Studies" as STEM majors eligible for the STEM OPT extension for F-1 visa holders. The specific classification of the B.A. in Environmental Justice Studies as a standalone STEM-designated degree might vary, but its strong connection to scientific analysis of environmental problems and data-driven approaches often allows for STEM-related benefits. Students in this program will typically take quantitative reasoning and research methods courses that draw from STEM fields.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Environmental Justice Studies curriculum at Whittier College is designed to provide a critical and interdisciplinary understanding of environmental justice. Students are required to complete foundational courses such as EJST 100: Race, Colonialism, and the Environment, along with specific 200-level EJST courses from both the social sciences and humanities. A crucial aspect of the curriculum includes a dedicated research methods course, which can be chosen from various disciplines, including those with quantitative reasoning components like Introduction to Econometrics or Statistics. The program also mandates a quantitative reasoning course, with options spanning mathematics and social sciences. Students engage in upper-division coursework that decolonizes conventional environmental perspectives and investigates the causes and effects of the global climate crisis, particularly as they relate to racist environmental policies. A capstone senior seminar, chosen from a discipline relevant to the student's EJST focus, allows for in-depth research and critical analysis.
Research Focus: Whittier College's Environmental Justice Studies program is deeply committed to fostering research that addresses real-world issues of environmental injustice. The program encourages students to engage in critical inquiry, moving beyond theoretical understanding to actively investigate the causes and effects of environmental racism and disproportionate impacts. The Environmental Justice Fellowship, for instance, supports students in projects that seek "meaningful and effective redress for environmental harms that disproportionately impact indigenous peoples and low-income and communities of color around the globe." Students develop skills in community-based research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and ethical engagement with affected communities. Opportunities to present research, often as part of senior projects, at events like the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, are integral to the program's focus on creating new knowledge and advocating for change.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a key role in preparing Environmental Justice Studies graduates for impactful careers. The "Whittier Works" initiative assists students with individualized coaching, career exploration, and preparation for both job searches and graduate school. Given the focus of the Environmental Justice program, industry engagement often involves connections with non-profit organizations, community advocacy groups, government agencies, and socially responsible businesses working on environmental equity, policy, and community development. Students gain valuable practical experience through internships and collaborations with community partners, fostering real-world problem-solving skills and building crucial networks within the environmental justice movement and related fields.
Global Perspective: The Environmental Justice Studies program at Whittier College inherently embraces a strong global perspective. Courses and research often investigate the international dimensions of environmental injustice, colonialism, and the global climate crisis, particularly how these issues disproportionately affect marginalized peoples worldwide. The college's Office of International Programs, a leader in diversity abroad, encourages students to participate in study abroad opportunities across five continents. While the specific nature of environmental justice study abroad varies, these experiences can offer students firsthand exposure to global environmental struggles, diverse cultural responses to climate change, and international advocacy efforts, enriching their understanding and preparing them for work in an interconnected world where environmental justice issues transcend national borders.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's B.A. in Environmental Justice Studies equips graduates with a critical understanding of environmental inequality, empowering them to pursue careers dedicated to social change and environmental equity. This interdisciplinary program provides not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills in research, analysis, and community engagement, preparing students for impactful roles in various sectors.
Community Organizer/Advocate: Graduates can work directly with communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, helping to organize grassroots movements, build coalitions, and advocate for policy changes that promote environmental justice. This role leverages strong communication and community engagement skills.
Environmental Policy Analyst: Working for non-profits, government agencies (local, state, or federal), or think tanks, these professionals research and analyze environmental policies, assess their impacts on vulnerable communities, and propose more equitable and just solutions. The program's emphasis on policy analysis is directly applicable.
Environmental Justice Program Coordinator/Manager: Many non-profit organizations and community foundations have specific programs dedicated to environmental justice. Graduates can manage projects, coordinate initiatives, secure funding, and oversee community outreach efforts.
Sustainability Specialist (with a Justice Lens): While traditional sustainability roles focus on environmental impact, an Environmental Justice degree brings a crucial equity perspective. Graduates can work in corporate social responsibility departments, government agencies, or universities to ensure sustainability initiatives are fair and inclusive, not just "green."
Research Assistant (Social/Environmental Sciences): Graduates can contribute to research projects at universities, research institutions, or non-profits, focusing on data collection, analysis, and reporting related to environmental health disparities, climate justice, and social equity. Whittier's emphasis on research methods is a strong asset.
Urban/Community Planner (with Environmental Justice Focus): Working for municipal planning departments or private consulting firms, these professionals help shape urban development, ensuring that new projects consider equitable access to green spaces, clean air, and safe living conditions for all residents.
Environmental Educator/Outreach Specialist: Graduates can develop and deliver educational programs for schools, community groups, or environmental organizations, raising awareness about environmental justice issues, empowering communities with knowledge, and promoting civic engagement.
Grant Writer/Development Specialist: Non-profit organizations focused on environmental justice rely heavily on grants and funding. Graduates with strong writing and analytical skills can pursue roles in fundraising and development, securing resources to support vital community-led initiatives.
Social Justice Advocate/Activist: More broadly, the B.A. in Environmental Justice can serve as a foundation for general social justice advocacy, applying the principles of equity, human rights, and systemic change to various social issues beyond just the environment.
Pre-Law/Graduate Studies: The rigorous critical thinking, research, and analytical skills developed in the Environmental Justice Studies program provide an excellent foundation for pursuing advanced degrees, particularly in fields like environmental law, public policy, urban planning, public health, or sociology, to further specialize and lead change.
