Bachelor of Arts in Environmetal Studies Hawaii Pacific University

Program Description

The challenges of today's environment -- air and water pollution, deforestation and species loss, peak oil consumption and climate change -- are complex and interconnected issues. The interdisciplinary fields of environmental science and environmental studies are both dedicated to the study of these critical problems with the aim of identifying feasible solutions. Environmental Science focuses on the study of natural systems and the application of technology to protect and improve the environment while Environmental Studies focuses on the interaction between human and natural systems and the connection between science and policy. Environmental and sustainability issues are overarching and complex; addressing these challenges requires a unique set of skills. Because of this, both majors utilize an interdisciplinary approach toward critical analysis and problem-solving while providing students with experience in the use of a wide range of tools. Students from both majors work together in many of the same upper division courses to foster respect for diverse perspectives and abilities and to build skills for working effectively within interdisciplinary teams. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (B.A.) The Bachelor of Art (B.A.) major is designed for students with an interest in the policy and management aspects of environmental and sustainability issues. Coursework includes a foundation in environmental science. Students build upon that foundation with courses in economics, policy, communication, management, and ethics to gain a breadth of perspective for examining environmental and sustainability issues.

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