Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability
Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability Program Overview
Designed for action-oriented students, our BA in Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability emphasizes the scientific understanding of our current environmental challenges and how to implement necessary policies to bring about effective change. Because of this attention to the science of sustainability, the humanities, and social sciences, students majoring in environmental studies will be well versed in both the scientific and the socio-political implications of climate change.
In addition to traditional coursework, students participate in fieldwork to gain invaluable hands-on experience and follow where their academic interests may lead. Fieldwork takes place both on campus at Manhattanville’s Ohnell Environmental Park and off campus at local reserves and field sites.
For the culmination of their environmental studies bachelor’s degree, students use their fieldwork experience in a final research project. Guided by a faculty mentor, students complete a research paper and presentation during their final year in the environmental studies program.
The environmental studies major begins with fundamental classes in biology, ecology, and chemistry to provide a strong scientific foundation and comprehensive understanding of current ecological matters such as climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Along with Manhattanville’s general education requirements, an environmental studies degree includes 13 required courses, comprised of the following:
- Five major courses
- One statistics course
- One environmental studies course
- One global studies course
- One history course
- One social movement course
- One ethics and values course
- Two education and sustainability courses
Students are also required to take one independent study course in the following subject areas:
- Biology
- Global and International Studies
- History
- Sociology
Review complete BA in Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability degree requirements.
Environmental Studies and Global Sustainability Courses
Backed by a diverse curriculum, students have many opportunities to develop a thorough
understanding of how various disciplines influence the field of environmental studies
and sustainability. In the environmental studies degree program, students can take
courses such as:
- Endangered Earth: Understanding Environmental Pollution
- Global Environmentalism
- Environmental Chemistry
- Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication
- Global Media
- Globalization and Social Change
- Art and Architecture of the Medieval World: Europe, North Africa, Asia
- Arts of Africa, Oceania and Native Americas
- History of Global Cinema I and II
- Interest Groups & Social Movements
- Urban Sociology
- Sociology of Food
- Environmental Social Movements
- Law, Rights, and Morality
- Pagans
- The End of the World
Students who earn their bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and sustainability develop versatile critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary knowledge, making them strong candidates for career opportunities such as:
- Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Science Professor
- Aquarist
- Park Naturalist
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Industrial Air Pollution Analyst
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Zookeeper
Full-time Faculty
- Wendy J. McFarlane
- Christopher Pappas
- Nancy Todd
- Anna Yeung-Cheung
- A. Mia Heissan
- Jorge Cardenas
- Robert Derrell
- Laurence Krute
- Elizabeth Cherry
- Eric Slater
- David Gutman
- Lisa Rafanelli
- David Lugowski
- Deborah Saleeby-Mulligan
- P.L. Gardella
- Hephzibah Strmic-Pawl
- Lucilla Pan
- Siobhan Nash-Marshall
Adjunct Faculty
- Lucia Maestro Martinez
Please contact any of the above faculty or the Division Chair for more information
or Division Chair:
Christopher J. Pappas
Christopher.Pappas@mville.edu
914.323.1276
Depending on whether you are a first-year college student or transferring from another institution, the admission requirements and processes can vary. Please contact our Admissions team for additional information. To start planning for your degree, review complete financial aid, tuition, and scholarship information.
