Environmental Studies, B.A.
What kind of environmental ethic would you have if you lived with compassion for other humans? This is the question that Point Loma Nazarene University equips students to answer in its Environmental Studies program. Jesus tells us that the two commandments which encompass all others are love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Yet we often miss the connection that loving God and neighbor has with the natural world. Cultural geographer Carolyn Finney claims it is necessary for humans to “understand how our unhealthy relationships with the natural environment are intimately linked to our unhealthy relationships with each other.” PLNU’s Environmental Studies program makes that link by providing cultural context along with foundational scientific knowledge. Our goal is that students leave the program with compassion for all of creation and other humans, created by listening to and understanding the context of the human story across cultures; with foundational knowledge of ecosystems and the human relationship to them; with communication skills in writing, media, and verbal avenues; and with the agency to use these traits to serve in the world.
Students with an Environmental Studies B.A. find careers in diverse fields that address human relationships with the natural world. From public relations and fundraising to design and engineering, Environmental Studies majors find jobs that rely on compassion, knowledge, and the ability to communicate well. Situated as a truly interdisciplinary major at PLNU with contributions across diverse disciplines, the focus of the program is to provide the cultural context, scientific foundation, and communication skills as they relate to humans and the environment. Different from many environmental sciences and other environmental studies programs, PLNU’s Environmental Studies program prepares students for multiple career paths by offering foundational courses in biology, the social and political sciences, and the arts and humanities, along with focused concentrations of study, ranging from creative writing or literature to media arts or public policy, which provide depth of expertise as well as breadth of perspective.
Environmental Studies at PLNU: we put the human element into the environment.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the program in Environmental Studies will be able to:
- Synthesize scientific and humanistic studies through practical environmental application.
- Locate, evaluate, and effectively use information to address environmental concerns.
- Identify and articulate sociocultural dynamics as they relate to the natural world.
- Present analyses to formal audiences, demonstrating appropriate strategies for audience engagement and oral communication.
- Identify and secure post-graduate studies or careers in environmental fields.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| EDU 2025 | Introduction to Disability Studies | 3 |
| ESI 2050 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 3 |
| MTH 2003 | Introduction to Statistics 1 | 3 |
| Choose one (1) from the following (beyond GE): | 4 | |
| Ecology and Conservation (GE) and Ecology and Conservation Lab (GE) | ||
| Ecological and Evolutionary Systems (GE) and Ecological and Evolutionary Systems Lab (GE) | ||
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| BUS 4075 | Sustainability in Action | 3 |
| ESI 3010 | Seminar in Environmental Studies (3 units required) | 3 |
| ESI 4020 | Advanced Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ESI 4070 | Internship/Practicum in Environmental Studies | 2 |
| SOC 4035 | Environmental Sociology | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group below: | 10-16 | |
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Romantic Literature | ||
| Postcolonial Literatures | ||
| History of Surfing and Surf Culture | ||
| Wilderness in the American Mind | ||
| Public Issues | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| Issues of Global Human Rights | ||
| Protest and Social Movements in World Politics | ||
| Theology | ||
| The Bible, Environment, and Creation Care: Ecological Interpretation of Scripture | ||
| Theology of Creation Care | ||
| Writing | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Writing for the Community | ||
| Additional Requirement | ||
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 0-3 | |
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| French Conversation | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation II | ||
| Civic Engagement: Conversation, Culture, and Community | ||
| Approved Immersion Experience in Another Language | ||
| Mandatory Minor Required | ||
| Total Units | 37-46 | |
Mandatory Minor Requirement
Any minor offered at PLNU fulfills the mandatory minor requirement for the degree.
Suggested Minors
Biology and STEM concentration
A strong background in the biology and chemistry of environmental systems empowers environmental justice with the ability to evaluate and use scientific data. With a concentration in biology, an Environmental Studies major can bring their biological expertise to educate and inform environmental social action. Careers include: sustainability officer, lab management, and science writer.
- Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology Minor
- Biology: Environmental Biology Minor
- Biology: Organismal Biology Minor
- Computer Science Minor
Cultural Studies concentration
Understanding where our current ideas about environmental and social justice come from is vital to having agency for positive change. Environmental Studies majors with a cultural studies concentration will be able to identify, critique, challenge, or champion cultural stories and themes about humanity's relationship with the environment. Careers include: teaching, nonprofit management, and public relations.
- Biblical Studies Minor
- Christian Studies Minor
- Cinema Studies Minor
- French Minor
- History Minor
- Literature Minor
- Philosophy Minor
- Spanish Minor
Design concentration
Good design can capture the imagination and bring about powerful change. With a concentration in design, Environmental Studies majors gain valuable skills in presenting information and arguments in a visually pleasing format to reach a wide audience for environmental change. Careers include: graphic design, science illustration, biodesign, and branding.
Social Impact concentration
Social service impacts the way the world works. With a social impact concentration, Environmental Studies majors will understand the structures and policies that govern our culture and find avenues of service that will let them be a powerful force for environmental change in the world. Careers include: law, urban planning, social work, and public administration.
- Christian Mission and Intercultural Ministry Minor
- International Development Minor
- Nonprofit Organization Management Minor
- Nutrition Minor
- Public Policy Minor
- Public Relations Minor
- Science and Christian Faith Minor
- Sociology Minor
- Vocational Ministry Minor
- Youth and Family Ministries Minor
Writing and Communication concentration
A clearly communicated idea has the most impact. With a writing and communication concentration, Environmental Studies majors will develop the skills to share their ideas and stories both in writing and verbally. Clear communicators can take the complexity of many environmental issues and present them so that a wide audience can understand. Careers include: editing, writing, screenwriting, journalism, and branding.