Degree Overview
An Environmental Education as Complex as the Problems It Tackles
The environment doesn't fit neatly into one discipline, and neither does this degree. Batten's online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies draws from science, public policy, law, philosophy, and the humanities to give you a genuinely broad understanding of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. You'll study how biology, climate, culture, and policy intersect — and what it takes to address problems like resource depletion, habitat loss, pollution, and biodiversity decline. The goal isn't just awareness. It's preparation for careers in environmental law, public policy, scientific research, sustainability, and beyond. Note: Students may not double major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Management due to overlap between the two programs.
Course Information
All Batten students complete a shared general education curriculum designed to build critical thinking, communication, and a broad academic foundation alongside your major coursework. The four components are:
- English Composition — ENG 105: The Art of Writing (must be passed with a C or higher)
- Foreign Language Proficiency — demonstrate competency through coursework, AP/CLEP credit, or prior study. Transfer students entering with 60+ credits have a simplified pathway.
- Batten Seminars — three seminar-style courses (Seminars I, II, and III) that develop scholarly inquiry, writing, and oral communication skills
- Breadth Requirement — 24 credit hours spanning arts and humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences, drawn from at least six different departments outside your major
View full General Education requirements on the Batten University website →
Core Courses
Electives (see advisor)
Internship / Study Away (required)
Students may not double major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Management due to overlap between the two programs. Consult your advisor or view the full catalog for details.
The Environmental Studies minor gives students from any major a grounding in environmental thought, science, and policy. 20 credit hours total.
Environmental Studies (choose three)
Earth Science (choose one)
Advanced Science (choose one)
Career Outcomes
Environmental challenges span science, policy, business, and public education—and so do the careers built to address them. Batten's Environmental Studies program provides an interdisciplinary foundation that prepares graduates for work across environmental advocacy, conservation, sustainability, research, and related fields.
Environmental Policy and Advocacy
Coursework in environmental policy, ethics, and justice prepares graduates to support public agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations through policy research, program coordination, and legislative analysis.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
As organizations face growing pressure to improve environmental performance, graduates can contribute to sustainability planning, ESG reporting, and environmentally responsible business operations across industries.
Conservation and Natural Resource Management
Training in environmental science, GIS, and earth systems supports careers related to land management, conservation planning, resource stewardship, and environmental field operations.
Environmental Education and Research
Graduates may pursue roles in public education, outreach, research support, and environmental communications with museums, parks, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and consulting firms.
Why Batten Online
92%
Successful Graduates
Of our graduates receive job offers or go on to graduate school within one year of graduation.
Free & Rolling
Apply Anytime
Rolling admissions means you can start when you're ready. Our application is free — no fee standing between you and your degree.
96
Transfer Credits Accepted
Transfer up to 96 credits into an undergraduate program. You've already done the work — you shouldn't have to pay for it twice.
No Tests
Streamlined Admission
Admission is based on your undergraduate transcript. No SAT, ACT, or GMAT required. Ever.
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- Complete our online application.
- Applicants who have not yet completed 12 semester hours of college work must submit an official high school transcript and an official college transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants who have not taken an SAT or ACT may be admitted on the basis of an evaluation of high school coursework. Applicants who are not high school graduates may be admitted on the basis of GED test results.
- Applicants who have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of college work must submit official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Generally, individuals transferring to Batten University must present a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Batten University.
Explore Financial Aid Options