Environmental Studies at Florida Atlantic University is an interdisciplinary field that explores the complex relationships between people and the environment. You’ll examine environmental issues from scientific, social, and humanistic perspectives—learning how natural systems work, how societies interact with them, and how to create solutions for a more sustainable future.

About Environmental Studies at FAU

At Florida Atlantic, you’ll study environmental challenges where they matter most—right in the heart of South Florida’s unique ecosystems and diverse communities. The program blends coursework in natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities, giving you a broad foundation and the flexibility to focus on your interests. You’ll work closely with faculty, gain hands-on experience through internships, and have opportunities to participate in research that addresses real-world environmental issues.

Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic

Undergraduate Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Science
• Minor in Environmental Studies
  

 

Concentration in Environmental Studies/Environmental Science

Students must earn a "C" or better in each course taken to fulfill a concentration requirement.

Overview and Advisory Board

The Environmental Studies and Environmental Science concentrations are designed to provide an interdisciplinary education in environmental issues that draws from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The required courses provide all environmental studies /science students the opportunity to ground themselves in relevant concepts and topics, as well as scientific methodologies and mapping skills that span the disciplines. Beyond these requirements, students who wish to explore the natural science aspects of these issues in more depth may pursue the Environmental Science Concentration (23-27 credits in addition to required courses), while those with greater interest in social science/humanities and policy themes may pursue the Environmental Studies Concentration (18-19 credits in addition to required courses). In addition to concentration requirements, students are strongly advised to complete an environmental studies internship to fulfill that graduation requirement.

Minor Concentration

The minor concentration in Environmental Studies consists of at least 18 credit hours from relevant courses in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, at least 9 of which must be upper division courses. To count toward the minor, a course must be guided by an explicit environmental theme. At least 6 credits must be in the social sciences and humanities, while at least 3 credits of the minor must be from a relevant natural science. Per College policy, only 4 credits used to satisfy the student's concentration may overlap with the minor concentration. At least 50 percent of credits must be taken at the Wilkes Honors College. Students must maintain a 2.0 in courses taken for the minor concentration. 
Courses that count for the minor concentration are listed below. Special Topics and Freshman Seminar courses, besides those in Environmental Studies, as well as relevant team-taught ICIS courses, must be approved by the Environmental Studies advisory Board to ensure that course content reflects an environmental theme.