Does your passion for writing, art, or activism align with your call to care for the environment? If so, PLNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies equips you to pair your talent and Christian worldview to address our planet’s climate crisis and create sustainable change.
Housed in PLNU’s department of Literature, Journalism, Writing & Languages, the environmental studies program offers foundational courses in biology, the social and political sciences, and the arts and humanities — along with a required minor — to give you depth of expertise and breadth of perspective.
As Jesus proclaims in Matthew 22:37-39, the two commandments which encompass all others are to love God and love neighbor. 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, scientific foundation, and communication skills as they relate to humans and the environment.
The goal of the environmental studies major is for students to develop compassion for all of creation and other humans 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.
Possible Minors to choose:
If you like Biology and STEM…
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 minor in biology, an Environmental Studies major can bring her 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: Organismal Biology Minor
- Biology: Environmental Biology Minor
- Computer Science Minor
If you like Cultural Studies…
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 minor 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, public relations.
- Spanish Minor
- Philosophy Minor
- Literature Minor
- History Minor
If you like Art and Design…
Good design can capture the imagination and bring about powerful change. With a minor in art and 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, branding.
- Graphic Design Minor
- Visual Art Minor
If you like Social Impact…
Social service impacts the way the world works. With a social impact minor, 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, public administration.
- Public Policy Minor
- Public Relations Minor
- Science and Christian Faith Minor
- Sociology Minor
If you like Writing and Communication…
A clearly communicated idea has the most impact. With a writing and communication minor, 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.
- Media Communication Minor
- Communication Minor
- Multimedia Journalism Minor
- Writing Minor
