BA in Environmental Studies Online
Environmental Studies Online Degree
Program Overview
The online degree in Environmental Studies offered by Naropa has different tracks in Theory, Action, Justice, and Contemplation. This degree will teach you how to use renewing and restorative practices to tackle climate change.
Your journey of service will begin with the exploration of reflective learning, environmental sustainability, ecological philosophy, policy-making, leadership, indigenous wisdom, and your personal life experiences.
You will learn about social justice, ecopsychology, economics, and politics related to earth-based change. You will also do exercises that connect with the sacred nature of our planet.
Contemplative Practices
In the online Environmental Studies major, learn embodied and mental strategies for meeting climate grief and anxiety to face the challenges of an increasingly uncertain future. Engage in earth-based contemplative practices that deepen the relationship to the more-than-human world.
Theory & Action
Naropa’s environmental studies online program fosters a profound comprehension of the living world. This involves knowledge and application of environmental theories and concepts. Students learn practices and learn skills that develop internal and external resources required for responsible engagement with and in diverse settings. Environmental justice, leadership skills and applied sustainability principles help students apply their learning in internship and senior projects
Dedicated Faculty
Our faculty members are not just teachers; they are agents of change. They employ creative teaching methods and dedicate themselves to solving environmental problems. Students will be prepared to make a positive difference in the world.
Quick Facts
- Online Degree
- 39 credit Hours
- 12 required classes
- Contemplative practice
- Internship course
- Capstone project
- Admissions open for 2024
Program Format
Naropa University’s undergraduate program is a four-year, fully accredited Bachelor of Arts degree program. The online Environmental Studies degree is 39 credits, fully online. It helps students gain knowledge and skills to tackle environmental problems.
The Environmental Studies curriculum integrates the complex and interconnected relationships of the natural environment, human culture, and personal experiences. These relationships are studied through five interrelated strands: field science, sacred ecology, sustainability, permaculture, and environmental history and justice.
Course Spotlight
The Science for Sustainability
Students explore sustainability via ecology, climate science, and systems thinking, understanding their relevance to humans and other systems. Through lectures and hands-on activities, they grasp Earth’s living system concept and sustainability research intricacies. The course highlights challenges rooted in specific worldviews. By the course’s end, students can discern and explain key sustainability components and methodologies. Additionally, they design a project integrating core concepts, preparing to champion sustainability initiatives.
Degree
Requirements
A Bachelor of Arts degree consists of a Core Curriculum and a major. It also allows for optional minors and elective courses. The degree requires a total of 120 credits.
The major usually requires between 36 and 60 credits. It requires 120 credits, with the major typically requiring 36-60 credits. This includes the Online BA in Environmental Studies, which stands as a fully online program, providing students with the convenience of remote learning.
Online Environmental Studies Major Requirements
Required Courses: 15 Credits
ENV 370e: Environmental Philosophy and Ecopsychology [Theory] (3)
ENV 411e: Science for Sustainability [Theory] (3)
ENV 350e: Nature, the Sacred, and Contemplation [Contemplative] (3)
ENV 401e: Environmental Leadership Skills [Action] (3)
ENV 355e: Environmental Justice [Justice] (3)
Action: Choose 3 Credits
ENV 250e: Restorative Principles and Practices (3)
ENV 341e: Contemporary Environmental Movements (3)
ENV 490e: Special Topics: Activism
Contemplative: Choose 3 Credits
ENV 245e: Geography: Pilgrimage and Sacred Landscape (3)
ENV 361e: Spiritual Ecology (3)
ENV 490e: Special Topics: Contemplative (3)
Justice: Choose 3 credits
ENV 257e: Food Justice (3)
ENV 363e: Indigenous Environmental Issues (3)
ENV 490e: Special Topics: Justice (3)
Theory: Choose 3 credits
ENV 207e: History of the Environmental Movement (3)
ENV 253e: Solidarity Economics (3)
ENV 490e: Special Topics: Theory (3)
Electives (choose 6 credits from the list above or below):
PSYB 329e: Approaches to Healing (3)
PSYB 354e: Transpersonal Psychology (3)
REL 160e: Meditation Practicum I (3)
TRA 133e: Yoga I: Foundations (3)
Capstone (6 required credits)
COL 450e: Internship (3)
COR 440e: Capstone II (3)
Why Choose Naropa?
Advanced Approaches
Inspired by the work of Joanna Macy and thought leaders in ecopsychology and deep ecology, our program teaches about living systems, leadership models, environmental movement history, food justice, and indigenous knowledge. Students will get to participate in an internship course and a capstone project. These experiences enable them to seamlessly integrate their newfound understanding and position themselves as effective change agents.
Contemplative Methodology
The online degree in environmental studies helps students deal with climate grief and worry about future challenges. Students will participate in nature-centered reflective exercises that enhance their connection with the broader natural environment beyond humans.
Committed Faculty
Naropa's environmental studies faculty have lots of knowledge, passion, and real-world experience for this online degree program. Our faculty consists of diverse scholars and practitioners who inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
How this Program Prepares You
Internship and Senior Project
The Environmental Studies program has fostered partnerships with community organizations where students can arrange internships. Moreover, BA majors are required to complete an individual senior project in the final year of the program. Students will integrate their learning and launch their contributions as change agents.
Introspective and Theoretical Learning
The Environmental Studies online program is rooted in contemplative practices, offering a pathway to cultivate optimism for the future and a means to process and integrate the challenges facing our world. The degree curriculum delves into history, philosophy, and economics to foster a comprehensive understanding of interconnections through diverse perspectives.
Sense of Justice
Our program is steadfastly dedicated to promoting justice in all its facets. The root cause of both human and environmental oppression is identical. By tackling topics related to food justice, indigenous issues, and restorative measures, students acquire an understanding of their societal position and methods to effect change.
What You'll Learn
Contemplative
Obtain both physical and mental techniques to manage climate-related distress and worry, readying yourself for future uncertainties. Participate in nature-focused reflective exercises to deepen your bond with the wider environment.
Action
Participate in activities and acquire abilities that enhance both internal and external capabilities needed for responsible involvement in various environments.
Theory
Demonstrate knowledge and application of environmental theories and concepts.
Justice
Investigate how environmental crises affect marginalized communities and articulate strategies that prioritize these communities in addressing injustices.
Ecology & Climate Change
Show understanding of ecological principles and practical, applied skills.
Career Opportunities with a Environmental Studies Online Degree
- Forester: manage forests and oversee planning and ecological assessments.
- Environmental Restoration Planner: improve ecosystems and environmental health.
- Recycling Coordinator: oversee and promote efficient recycling programs.
- Conservation Scientist: protect ecosystems with sustainable practices.
- Climate Change Policy Analyst: develop strategies to address climate change.
- Natural Sciences Manager: lead scientific research projects.
- Fish and Game Warden: enforce hunting and fishing laws, protecting wildlife.
- Chief Sustainability Officer: drive environmentally responsible practices in organizations.
Hear from a Graduate
Social justice, our environment, peace studies, and diversity have always been a big piece of my life. Naropa fosters a space for these issues to be talked about and acted out.
Candice Kearns Orlando
FAQs About the
Environmental Studies Online Degree
What is the difference between Naropa’s online degree in environmental studies and the on-campus degree?
What is the difference between environmental studies and environmental science?
What can you do with an environmental studies online degree?
What sets Naropa’s online BA in environmental studies apart from other programs?
Learn More About the Program
Connect
with your counselor
Rachel Thompson
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Prospective students with last names A-G
- 303-970-9831
- rachel.thompson@naropa.edu
- Schedule Appointment
Connect
with your counselor
Jenna Priest
Prospective students last names H-Z
Ready to Apply?
Admission Requirements
Academic excellence and the willingness to carry out introspective work are highly valued at Naropa University.
Learn more about admission requirements and the application process for undergraduate students.
Undergraduate Students
- Students with a 3.0 GPA or Higher
Applicants boasting a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an 83+ average on the 100-point grading scale, and/or a GED score of 175+, and a solid track record of academic achievement, are warmly accepted to Naropa University with minimal eligibility criteria.
- Students with Less than 3.0 GPA
Should your academic performance fall below a GPA of 3.0, an average of less than 83+ on the 100-point grading scale, or a GED score of 145–174, but you aspire to benefit from a Naropa education and anticipate contributing to our expanding community, we encourage you to submit your application.
- Transfer student
For students who are still in search of an education that not only nurtures their personal growth but also fosters professional development, Naropa awaits you. The transfer of credits from your previous institutions will be easily completed, and our Transfer Student Guarantee ensures comprehensive financial and advisory support for all transfer students.
Learn more about transferring.
International Students
Our university is rooted in principles of inclusivity, diversity, and a warm welcome of different cultures. We believe that the strength of our community lies in the richness of its diversity, and we eagerly anticipate the unique contributions that each student will bring to our vibrant and dynamic environment.
Learn more about applying to Naropa as an international student.
Costs and Financial Aid
Naropa is dedicated to broadening access to education for a diverse range of students. Delve into our undergraduate costs and aids page to gain insights into tuition, grants, scholarships, and available opportunities. Use our cost calculator to estimate your potential expenses at Naropa.
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
