BS in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Sciences
The world needs you to save tomorrow.
Our planet is a complex ecosystem that is constantly transforming, from both natural and manmade causes. Be at the forefront of global conservation and environmental efforts while learning the critical skills necessary to become advocates and eco-citizens. Explore economic, political, ethical, and social dynamics in the context of environmental stewardship through experiential and engaging coursework. By understanding the multifaceted obstacles that conservation faces, you’ll be able to understand all parties involved and aid in problem resolution. The world needs adept, flexible, creative, collaborative, culturally humble educators, leaders, scientists, policy-makers, advocates, artists, philosophers, and citizens. Our hope is that together, we can build our capacity to serve in these essential and eclectic roles.
This degree is offered by Antioch University's Online Campus.
Program Overview
Whether you are currently a community college student, a busy parent or worker, a veteran, or an international student, our Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Sciences completion program is designed to support your personal, academic, and professional goals at any point in your life or career path. Students are taught by engaged faculty with environmental expertise, and the program will prepare students to be practitioners in the field, empower students who may already be dealing with environmental justice issues in their own communities, and provide optional field courses for experiential environmental opportunities. Students will:
- Acquire the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to meet your goals
- Explore issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their courses
- Discuss the physical and biological aspects of environmental issues in their courses
- Attend webinars offered by Antioch’s Center for Climate Preparedness and Community Resilience
- Become part of a powerful community of engaged students of all backgrounds
Additional Information
Antioch’s BS in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Sciences is a bachelor's completion program that requires 120 semester credits to graduate. You can transfer up to 75 semester credits, so the program can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years, depending on your prior learning experience. There are six entry points each year, so you never need to wait long to get started. A minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credits must be completed with Antioch University.
This Environmental Studies program explores numerous disciplines, including global studies, science, economics, health, ethics, culture, and leadership, within experiential and engaging coursework. Coursework pays special attention to issues of equity and justice-mindedness, particularly as environmental hazards and climate change disproportionately impact poor and marginalized groups in societies across the globe.
Students in the major will have courses together, creating collegiality and a cooperative learning community that extends beyond graduation. You’ll join a peer community where you receive personal attention in small class sizes.
Featured Courses
- Conservation Science
- Culture, Conflict and Social Research
- Culture and Ecology
- Environmental Ethics
- Environmental Economics
- Environmental Justice and Advocacy
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Health
- Ocean Science
- Population Growth & Global Poverty
- Thinking in Systems
Measure your success through applied learning and community projects, not one-size-fits-all tests. Antioch University is committed to narrative evaluations, so students receive feedback that directly addresses their learning. But don't worry if you need a GPA for grad school, letter grades are available upon request.
Students may opt into Field Study electives to extend and deepen their learning and professional development. Three times per year, an optional Field Study will be offered covering a range of topics, including:
- Project-based learning in urban climate change, resilience, mitigation, and adaptation
- Presentations and professional development at environmental conferences
- Justice and advocacy work with community-based organizations
- Cultural and ecological conservation work in field study locations
- Understand and describe the complex physical and biological aspects of environmental issues
- Critically evaluate the social, economic, and political dynamics involved in both the emergence and the resolution of environmental problems
- Articulate the historical development and ethical implications of the human relationship with the natural world
- Analyze the intersectionality of environmental, ethical, and social justice issues through various lenses
- Apply research methods and communication skills to effectively analyze environmental studies issues
- Use systems thinking to conceptualize sustainable solutions and advocate for problem-solving that includes marginalized communities
A BS in Environmental Studies, Sustainability and Sciences imparts research, data analysis, data-gathering, critical thinking, communication, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, environmental sampling, and problem-solving skills, ultimately preparing students for careers in many environmental fields, including:
- wildlife biologist
- community builder
- ecologist
- environmental advocate
- environmental geographer
- environmental health officer
- environmental technician
- renewable energy specialist
- science teacher
- sustainability officer
- town/transport planner
- water quality specialist
Faculty Spotlights
Alexandra Salas, PhD
Affiliate Faculty
Jocelyn Robinson, MA
Affiliate Faculty
Leah Nelson, PhD
Affiliate Faculty
Carol Stoner, JD
Affiliate Faculty
Admissions
Antioch’s requirements for candidates to the bachelor completion programs include:
- At least 24-semester credits of transferable undergraduate work completed from a regionally accredited college or university
- Goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation (if requested)
Please submit all materials to: Antioch University Admissions Office 900 Dayton Street Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 –OR– [email protected] All application materials submitted become part of an applicant's file and cannot be returned.
Deadlines
| Semester | Application Deadlines | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring A | December 15 | January 6 |
| Spring B | February 15 | March 3 |
| Summer A 2025 | April 15 | May 5 |
| Summer B 2025 | June 15 | June 30 |
| Fall A 2025 | August 15 | August 25 |
| Fall B 2025 | October 1 | October 20 |
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
Technology Requirements
Students in this program participate in online learning activities organized within small- and large-group learning communities. Antioch University Online is a 100% online learning environment, and therefore, in addition to having the traditional learning skills, students are expected to have basic technological skills, compatible computer hardware, operating system, and internet connectivity upon entrance into the program.
Cost
| Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Completion – All majors | Tuition: $492/semester credit hour |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
By taking advantage of our generous transfer policy, you can complete your undergraduate degree for less than $20,000. The total cost to complete a bachelor’s degree will vary based on a number of factors including area of concentration, credit received for prior life and work experiences, and the credits that would transfer into your BA completion program. Our students typically transfer in between 45-60 semester credits. A minimum of 120 semester credits is required to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Financial Aid
Several financial aid options are also available to help you earn your degree. Federal and state grants and federal loans may be available for Antioch students who qualify.
Transfer Credits and Prior Learning
Transfer Credits
Prospective students with at least 36 quarter credits (equivalent to 24 semester credits) of college credits from an accredited institution can apply to complete their degree in one of Antioch’s Bachelor’s degrees. Our undergraduate programs accept a maximum of 120 quarter credits/80 semester credit lower-division credits that can be transferred toward your degree program. Antioch will accept 135 quarter credits (90 semester credits) of lower-division and upper-division learning that can be transferred toward your degree. The formal evaluation of previously earned transfer credits starts during the admission process. For more information regarding the specifics of transfer credits, please talk with your admissions counselor.
*Note: See specific articulation agreements for any exceptions to these parameters
Prior Learning Credits
Undergraduate students can earn up to 45 university quarter credits (30 semester credits) for demonstrating college-level learning gained outside of school, such as through work experience, professional training, military training, or personal experience. Demonstration of prior learning involves showing evidence of the student’s knowledge of the topic and situating that knowledge within an academic context. Earning academic credit for prior learning activities may accelerate a student’s time to degree completion and significantly reduce tuition costs. Antioch offers a workshop and course to support students interested in earning credit through prior learning.
Free Unofficial Transcript Evaluation
Want to know how long it’ll take to finish your degree at Antioch? Upload your unofficial transcripts for a free evaluation, and our advisors will contact you. No strings attached.
Start your Antioch Journey
Take your next step - talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.