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Science & Mathematics

Environmental Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Explore human impact on our planet.

Concerned about our planet? Wondering what role you can play in creating a sustainable future? As an Environmental Studies major, you’ll use multiple approaches to understand the complex interaction between humans and the environment.

Develop a broad and deep understanding of our dependencies on the natural world, and the pressing environmental challenges facing us and future generations. Investigate creative solutions to environmental problems. Learn how to connect research concepts to issues of social concern, such as global warming. You’ll gain the professional skills needed to blaze a trail in your future in law, policy, education, business, and more.

Gain a firsthand appreciation for the natural world and the systems that support it. Develop an understanding of the complexity of human-environment interactions, and of our dependency on the earth in the rapidly changing 21st century. With our reimagined general education curriculum, you'll have the foundation you’ll need to promote community, justice, and a more sustainable future.

You’ll also examine the social-justice aspects of environmental problems such as air and water pollution. Learn how the government works, how to lobby for change, and how to organize grassroots efforts. Take action and build support for laws that protect fragile ecosystems and vulnerable populations.

Master the research and critical thinking skills that are in high demand today. Learn to examine issues through the lenses of social sciences, humanities, policy, business management, psychology, health, fine arts, and more. Internships throughout Greater Boston will prepare you for a career in new and evolving fields, such as environmental education, policy, law, journalism, and nonprofit work. And you won't be making coffee, you'll be learning in places like the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Boston Consulting Group, and the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

And as a result of being required to pair the Environmental Studies major with a related double major or minor, you'll strengthen your ability to apply an environmental perspective to any career path you choose.

 

Undergraduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

120 Credits
Thinking about transferring here?

Log in to Transferology, add the courses you've taken, and see how they'll transfer to Lesley University.

cemetery tombs and plants

Mount Auburn Cemetery Collaboration

This biodiversity study contributes to the growing knowledge of how humans and urban ecosystems interact with each other. "With 80 percent of the world’s population currently living in urban areas, places like Mt. Auburn allow us to learn more about sustaining a healthy ecosystem for both people and wildlife,” says professor Dave Morimoto.

Craft Creative Combinations
As an Environmental Studies major, you can pursue a second major or one of our 45+ minors—in art & design or a liberal arts subject—to expand your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
Gain Skills and Expertise
Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our Environmental Studies program:
portrait of student, Emma Leck

Emma Leck

When Emma Leck chose Environmental Studies as her major, she was unsure about what her career path would look like. It wasn’t until she took Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, a course required by her major, that Emma felt it all start to click. Shortly thereafter, she decided to intern at the Mt. Auburn Urban Ecosystem Project, which combined two of her main interests: doing hands-on work in the field and analyzing the data she collected. Emma now had the confirmation she needed to embark on a career she was truly passionate about: being an environmental technician or analyst.

students from an environmental science class outside in a group

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,300 students and hands-on attention from specialized faculty. In our mathematics and science programs, you'll build your critical thinking, observational, and analytical skills to help solve the world's complex problems.

Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Some of the most common job titles for someone with an environmental studies degree include:
Careers
Where You Could Work
Graduates of environmental studies programs pursue a wide range of careers across a variety of industries, including:
doble campus during the fall

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Whether you're pursuing environmental studies, biology, or another science or math major, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. Work alongside faculty researchers in our state-of-the-art science lab and benefit from being in Cambridge, home to 200+ companies and incubator labs that are studying life sciences and clean energy. Discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of internships, professional opportunities, service work, culture, and fun that few other cities can match.

Faculty

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program.
Environmental Studies
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.