B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Environmental Studies
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Environmental Studies at Queens College aims to cultivate an integrated understanding of environmental quality, policy, and solutions from local, national, and global perspectives. Unlike its B.S. counterpart which focuses heavily on natural sciences, the B.A. emphasizes the social, economic, and political dimensions of environmental problems, particularly as they affect urban areas. Students learn to analyze environmental issues systemically, considering the interplay of scientific data, public policy, ethical considerations, and human behavior. This program is ideal for students interested in careers in environmental policy, advocacy, urban planning, non-profit management, and environmental education, as well as for those pursuing graduate studies in fields like environmental law, public policy, or urban planning.
Curriculum: The curriculum is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing courses from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Urban Studies Department, as well as other departments like Economics, English, Media Studies, Philosophy, and Political Science. Required foundational courses typically include "Our Planet in the 21st Century: Challenges to Humanity" (ENSCI 100), "Our Changing Planet" (ENSCI 112), and "The Changing Urban Environment" (URBST 252). Students then select a significant number of electives from both natural sciences (e.g., General Biology, Physical Geology) and social sciences/humanities (e.g., Economics of the Environment, Environmental Literature, Philosophy of the Environment, Introduction to Urban Planning). A crucial component is "Fieldwork in Environmental Studies" (URBST 372) which provides practical experience, and the program culminates in a capstone course like "Environmental Problem Solving" (ENSCI 373W or URBST 373W), often involving an in-depth project on a contemporary environmental issue.
Research Focus: The departments contributing to the Environmental Studies B.A. program at Queens College are engaged in diverse research that informs the curriculum. Faculty expertise spans areas such as urban planning, climate change and public policy, environmental economics, environmental literature, media and the environment, and the social and physical geography of cities. While formal undergraduate "research" might differ from a B.S. program, students are encouraged to engage in critical inquiry through extensive coursework, independent study, and the capstone project, which often involves applying interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world environmental problems. The program emphasizes analyzing the social, economic, and political contexts of environmental issues and proposing remedies, which constitutes a form of applied research.
Industry Engagement: Queens College's B.A. in Environmental Studies actively prepares students for engagement with various sectors concerned with environmental issues. The program fosters connections with government agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, urban planning firms, and community advocacy groups within New York City. The "Fieldwork in Environmental Studies" course provides a direct link to practical experience. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships plays a crucial role in connecting students with valuable internship opportunities in environmental policy, urban development, community organizing, and related fields. Graduates are well-positioned for roles where understanding policy, public engagement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration are paramount.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Environmental Studies at Queens College inherently cultivates a strong global perspective. The curriculum explicitly addresses contemporary environmental problems and solutions from local, national, and global perspectives, including courses on topics like "Global Cities" and the economics of climate change. Living and studying in New York City, a global metropolis and a hub for international organizations and diverse communities, further reinforces this global outlook. Queens College is renowned for its exceptional cultural and linguistic diversity, with students from numerous countries and speaking over 96 languages. This multicultural environment enriches classroom discussions on environmental justice, international environmental policy, and sustainable development across diverse global contexts, preparing graduates to tackle interconnected environmental challenges worldwide.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, a valued institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies. This interdisciplinary program is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of environmental issues, integrating perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Environmental Policy Analyst: These professionals work for government agencies, non-profits, or think tanks to research environmental issues, analyze proposed policies, evaluate their potential impacts, and make recommendations to influence environmental legislation and regulations.
Urban Planner/Planning Assistant: Graduates can contribute to sustainable urban development by working with city or regional planning departments. They help design and implement plans for land use, transportation, housing, and resource management, with a focus on environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Environmental Educator: Passionate about raising environmental awareness, these individuals design and deliver educational programs for schools, nature centers, museums, or non-profit organizations. They teach about ecological principles, conservation, and sustainable living to diverse audiences.
Community Organizer/Advocate: These roles involve mobilizing communities around environmental justice issues, advocating for specific environmental policies, and empowering local residents to address environmental challenges in their neighborhoods. They work closely with grassroots organizations and non-profits.
Sustainability Coordinator/Specialist: In corporate, non-profit, or government settings, sustainability coordinators develop and implement initiatives to reduce an organization's environmental footprint. This can involve waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Non-Profit Program Manager: Environmental non-profits rely on program managers to oversee specific projects or campaigns related to conservation, advocacy, or environmental education. This involves planning, budgeting, fundraising, and coordinating with various stakeholders.
Environmental Compliance Specialist: These professionals ensure that organizations adhere to environmental laws and regulations. They conduct audits, prepare reports, and advise on best practices to minimize environmental risks and avoid penalties. This role can be found in various industries.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Technician/Analyst: With courses in environmental studies often including GIS, graduates can work with spatial data to create maps and analyze geographical information related to environmental impact assessments, land use planning, resource management, and conservation efforts.
Grant Writer/Development Associate: Many environmental non-profits and research institutions rely on grants for funding. Graduates with strong writing and research skills can pursue roles as grant writers or development associates, securing financial support for environmental initiatives.
Environmental Communications Specialist: Leveraging their understanding of complex environmental issues and strong communication skills, these professionals craft messages for public consumption. They work in public relations, marketing, or media for environmental organizations, government bodies, or eco-conscious businesses.
