The BA in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major which allows students to study the “scientific, cultural, economic, moral, political and social dimensions of environmental issues.” The major brings together courses primarily from the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES), and the Faculty of Native Studies. As a new major–its first intake of students was in Fall 2011–the parameters of the degree are still in the process of being formed. There are “areas of concentration” within the major that allow students to specialize in a field that pertains to environmental studies.
Changes are underway affecting the concentrations and core requirements for this degree. For assistance in planning your programme, please contact the student advisor for Arts students enrolled in the Environmental Studies BA, Professor Andrew Ede, andrew.ede@ualberta.ca.
Members of the Arts Environmental Studies Consortium have played, and continue to play, a role in forming the major in such a way that it meets the needs of Arts students in addition to the needs of the wider student population. The major is an excellent way for arts-oriented students to graduate with a degree that focuses on environmental subjects.
Why should you enroll in an interdisciplinary program in environmental studies? Some thoughts on the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and the importance of building bridges between sciences and Arts (humanities and social sciences):
- The Globe and Mail: “Rethinking university to prepare for an uncertain future“
- NYT Opinionator Blog: “Science’s humanities gap“
- “Multi-discipline courses will help solve emerging global problems”
- The Globe and Mail: “Arts graduates are best prepared for the unexpected”
- “The new, cross-disciplinary BA spectacularly inverts the public perception of the humanities and social sciences as outdated and impractical education tools. These programs are at the forefront of postsecondary education and job preparation. The times, they are a-changing, and the contemporary BA is riding the wave of change with confidence and gusto.” – Reflections on the Changing BA
What kind of jobs can you get with an Arts-based education in environmental studies? (examples)
- Alternatives Journal: “Meet 6 Environmental Grads”
- Eco Canada Job Board
- See the Environmental Studies BA Graduates Page for more information about the program’s graduates and their paths . . .