BA in Environmental Studies Online
Environmental Studies Online Degree
Engage with social justice issues, learn the theories of ecopsychology, economics and politics as they relate to earth-based change and participate in contemplative exercises that interact with the sacred nature of our planet in Naropa’s online Environmental Studies program.
Program Overview
Naropa’s online degree in Environmental Studies has different tracks in Contemplation, Theory, Action, and Justice. This degree will integrate regenerative and restorative practices to address climate change.
Your journey of service will begin with the exploration of contemplative teachings, sustainability, environmental philosophy, policy, leadership, indigenous wisdom, and your own lived experience.
You will learn about social justice, ecopsychology, economics, and politics related to earth-based change.Â
Contemplation
In the online Environmental Studies major, learn embodied strategies for meeting climate grief and anxiety to face the challenges of an increasingly uncertain future.  Experiential exercises in nature including place bonding and a day-long solo walk provide a container for exploring your interrelationship with all the other than human beings that create our planet. Spiritual ecology, pilgrimage and the work of Joanna Macy contribute to your journey.
Theory
Through Naropa’s environmental studies online program, students will engage sustainable alternatives such as Deep Ecology, Ecopsychology, and Sustainability Theory to question the dominant cultural narrative and consider alternatives that provide life sustaining pathways to planetary well-being.
Action
Taking effective action is an antidote to despair. It requires deepening our ability to imagine and implement ecological, economic, and political alternatives while simultaneously developing our own leadership style through practical immersion in non-violent communication, group facilitation, project management and community organizing.
Justice
Every aspect of our program is shaped by an unwavering commitment to justice. Oppression of people and planet grows from the same root. By addressing issues of food justice, indigenous issues, and restorative practices, students gain a sense of their social location and ways to make an impact
Quick Facts
- Online degree
- 39 credit hours (of the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree)
- Transfer up to 90 semester credits
- 12 required classes
- Contemplative practice
- Internship course
- Capstone project
- Average age: 26
- Admissions open for 2025
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.Â
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 (120 credits) consists of a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major, as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing.
The Environmental Studies Online Major includes a total of 39 credit hours.
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
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 credits
COL 450e: Internship (3)
COR 440e: Capstone II (3)
Total: 39 credits
Why Choose Naropa?
Cutting-Edge Approaches
Inspired by the work of Joanna Macy and thought leaders in ecopsychology and deep ecology, our program offers insight into approaches of living systems thought, leadership models, the history of the environmental movement, food justice, and indigenous knowledge. Students have the opportunity to participate in an internship course and a capstone project to integrate their learning.
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 contemplative exercises that enhance their connection with the broader natural environment beyond humans.
Outstanding Faculty
Naropa's environmental studies faculty have lots of knowledge, passion, and real-world experience. 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.Â
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.