BA in Environmental Studies - Politics Policy and Justice in Seattle United States | Seattle University

Our integrated program offers students the chance to collaborate with distinguished faculty on research projects, partner with professionals and communities to tackle environmental challenges locally and globally, engage in hands-on learning experiences both domestically and internationally, and join our vibrant SU community through intimate classes, campus organizations, and enriching co-curricular activities. We strive to investigate, evaluate, and develop creative solutions that are environmentally responsible and socially equitable. Promoting sustainability requires comprehensive problem-solving methods that involve working with diverse populations and across multiple disciplines.

As an Environmental Studies student at Seattle University, you can: Customize your degree to align with your passions by selecting from four focus areas—Urban Sustainability, Policy, Politics and Justice, Environmental Education and Communication, or Ecological Systems—or create your own specialized track. Examine the relationship between human societies and their environments while tackling pressing ecological issues affecting urban areas, rural landscapes, and marine ecosystems. Approach sustainability challenges through an equity-focused framework while building foundational knowledge in natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Acquire essential data analysis methods, critical thinking abilities, and communication strategies to effectively address environmental problems, collaborate with various stakeholders, and guide communities toward sustainable solutions. Combine classroom learning with fieldwork throughout the Puget Sound region and other locations. Benefit from small class sizes with faculty committed to offering practical learning experiences that address environmental topics from urban development to climate equity and ecological conservation. Shape your professional journey through our Environmental Careers program, internship options, independent research projects, and connections with our alumni network.

Students examine and assess social and policy frameworks with a focus on fairness and justice. Through academic coursework and real-world applications, they gain the tools to conceptualize and execute balanced, sustainable responses to environmental challenges. Subjects covered include local, national, and international policy processes, analytical techniques for policy evaluation, and the ethics of environmental justice. Numerous internship possibilities exist within government agencies at various levels, as well as with political, faith-based, and environmental nonprofit groups.