BA in Environmental Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Learn the theories of ecopsychology, permaculture, and economics, as they relate to earth-based change, engage with social justice issues, and participate in contemplative exercises that engage with the sacred nature of our planet in Naropa’s BA in Environmental Studies.

Program Overview

Naropa’s environmental studies program combines Western-based natural and social sciences with elements of contemplative education, social justice, and world wisdom traditions. This transdisciplinary approach empowers students by equipping them with a comprehensive knowledge base and skill set for tackling complex environmental issues.

Key Features:

Transdisciplinary Education: Gain expertise in ecopsychology, permaculture, and economics, relevant to environmental change.
Contemplative Practices: Engage in contemplative exercises that foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
Community Engagement: Participate in hands-on, community-based projects addressing environmental issues.

Diverse Curriculum

The program covers diverse topics including nature-based awareness, wilderness survival skills, environmental justice, and historical and contemporary environmental movements.

Contemplative Approach

Naropa’s BA in environmental studies stands out due to its contemplative approach. Fostering a personal bond with nature becomes essential in leading communities and societies toward a deeper connection with the environment.

Experiential Learning

Beyond traditional classrooms, students learn permaculture, field ecology, and participate in contemplative nature retreats.

Quick Facts

Degree Type: On-campus Bachelor of Arts
Credit Hours: 39 major credits (part of 120 credits required)
Transfer up to 90 semester credits
Minor Options: Customize your degree with any 12 ENV credits.
Scholarships: Two scholarships awarded annually to outstanding Environmental Studies undergraduates.

Program Format

Naropa University offers a fully accredited four-year BA in Environmental Studies. This 39-credit major focuses on integrating scientific knowledge with spiritual and social insights, exploring themes like traditional Indigenous knowledge, regenerative models, and environmental justice.

Course Spotlight

Permaculture Design

Students solidify their understanding of permaculture and build competence in using ecological design principles and practices to create regenerative human living environments. Students gain practical skills for building living soils, harvesting runoff rainwater, designing ecological pest control, and the development of sustainable food-producing landscapes. Each student designs a final project modeling permaculture principles and ecological soundness.

Degree
Requirements

Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree (120 credits) with a Core Curriculum (24 credits), major, minors, and electives.

Environmental Studies Major (39 credits)

Required Courses

ENV370, Environmental Philosophy & Ecopsychology (3 credits)
ENV411, Science for Sustainability (3 credits)
ENV350, Nature, the Sacred, and Contemplation (3 credits)
ENV401, Environmental Leadership Skills (3 credits)
ENV355, Environmental Justice (3 credits)

Action Courses (Choose 3 credits)

ENV215, Sustainability (3 credits)
ENV223, Field Ecology (3 credits)
ENV238, Survival Skills (3 credits)
ENV260, Introduction to Permaculture (3 credits)
ENV341, Contemporary Environmental Movements (3 credits)
ENV342, Permaculture Design (3 credits)
ENV490, Special Topics: Activism (3 credits)

Contemplative Courses (Choose 3 credits)

ENV361, Spiritual Ecology (3 credits)
ENV490, Special Topics: Contemplative (3 credits)

Justice Courses (Choose 3 credits)

ENV257e, Food Justice (3 credits)
ENV363e, Indigenous Environmental Issues (3 credits)
ENV490e, Special Topics: Justice (3 credits)

Theory Courses (Choose 3 credits)

ENV100, Earth Systems, Cosmology, and Gaia Theory (3 credits)
ENV207, History of the Environmental Movement (3 credits)
ENV253, Solidarity Economies (3 credits)
ENV490, Special Topics: Theory (3 credits)

Electives (Choose 6 credits)

PAX335, Socially Engaged Spirituality (3 credits)
REL351, Theories of Alternative Spiritualities & New Religious Movements (3 credits)
ART355, Eco-Art (3 credits)
REL250, Spirituality & Creative Expression (3 credits)
ART200, The Contemplative Artist (3 credits)
COR130, Roots & Branches (3 credits)
REL160, Meditation Practicum I (3 credits)
REL346, Wisdom & Compassion (3 credits)
TRA120, Ikebana/Kado (3 credits)
TRA133, Yoga I: Foundations (3 credits)
COR150, Diversity Seminar (3 credits)
INTD310, Feminist & Queet Theory Methods of Inquiry (3 credits)
PAX250, Intro to Peace & Conflict (3 credits)
PAX340, Conflict Transformation (3 credits)
WRI210, Experimental/Activist Lit (3 credits)
EDU300, Nature & Education (3 credits)
COR222, Sustainability Seminar (3 credits)
PSYB208, Embodying Process & the Individual (3 credits)
PSYB209, Herbal Medicine (3 credits)
PSYB329, Approaches to Healing (3 credits)
PSYB354, Transpersonal Psychology (3 credits)

Capstone Experience (6 credits)

COL450, Internship (3 credits)
COR440, Capstone II (3 credits)

Total: 39 credits

Why Choose Naropa?

Green Campus & Nature

Embark on an educational journey that extends beyond the classroom at Naropa University. Immerse yourself in a green campus, explore Colorado's outdoors, and engage with local sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability Community

Join a vibrant community of peers and faculty passionate about environmental stewardship. Naropa’s undergraduate environmental studies curriculum integrates sacred ecology, contemplative practices, and community action, fostering rich ecological dialogues and earth-centered experiences.

Unique Methodology

Discover a transformative approach to environmental studies at Naropa, where students deepen their connection with nature through interdisciplinary exploration. Explore environmental challenges through lenses of social justice, community dynamics, and contemplative practice.

How this Program Prepares You

Internship and Senior Project

Collaborate with community organizations through internships and independent studies, enhancing your academic journey. Complete a senior project—whether a thesis or community-based initiative—through COL450, Internship, and COR440, Capstone.

Environmental Perspective

Gain a holistic understanding of environmental issues, integrating social justice considerations and contemplative practice into your studies. Develop a comprehensive perspective rooted in regenerative frameworks and a profound connection with nature.

Environmental Engagement

Naropa’s environmental studies major promotes experiential learning beyond traditional classrooms. Engage deeply within the university and broader communities, applying permaculture principles firsthand at facilities like the William D. Jones Community Greenhouse.

What You'll Learn

Contemplative Practices

Acquire physical and mental techniques to navigate climate-related challenges. Engage in nature-focused reflective exercises to deepen your connection with the environment.

Action-Oriented Skills

Participate in activities that develop both internal and external capabilities crucial for effective environmental stewardship.