Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Political Science

Northeastern University

In this combined major, students develop an awareness of the scientific, cultural, societal, and political aspects of the world’s environmental problems through the lens of geopolitical decisions, public policy, and environmental regulations. Due to overlap in course content, students majoring in Environmental Studies or any Environmental Studies combined majors may not complete a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. The academic programs of the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences provide students a deep, multidisciplinary understanding of the chemical, physical, geological, socio-ecological, and biological processes that shape Earth’s myriad ecosystems. This fundamental understanding, coupled with a focus on the many environmental challenges facing our planet, seeks to yield knowledge and solutions that promote sustainability. Our graduates leave Northeastern prepared to address diverse issues including collapsing fisheries, the impacts of climate change (e.g., sea level rise), coastal erosion, and pollution. To address and solve today’s complex environmental problems, environmental professionals are expected to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team containing natural and social scientists, engineers, and policymakers. Hence, our undergraduate program emphasizes experiential education in addition to traditional classroom learning. This approach better prepares students to engage in collaborative work and enhances their employment opportunities after Northeastern.