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    Study environmental studies abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying environmental studies as an international student.

    Find environmental studies programs

    Explore environmental studies programs abroad

    See other programs in environmental studies

    Environmental studies degrees abroad

    Environmental studies degree programs address the social and scientific issues facing our environment. It can be similar to an environmental science program but covers a broader range of topics including politics, economics and human behavior.

    Issues surrounding climate change are more important than ever, so be able to understand the problems our environment is facing is an important and useful skill to develop. Environmental studies programs are most commonly found in the US and Canada, but it’s possible to study it in other countries too.

    Studying environmental studies in another country is a great way to see and experience different environments. Many programs include fieldwork and excursions, which means you can get out and see and study the issues facing the local environment for yourself.

    Environmental studies program structure

    In many North American universities, you can study environmental studies as part of a liberal arts bachelor’s degree. You can choose to major in the subject, or it can be studied as a concentration of another degree, like geography.

    Environmental studies is available as a BA or BSc over three of four years of study. There is little difference between the two qualifications, but the BSc will usually include more science-based modules. In some countries, like the UK, environmental studies is not commonly offered, but you can study environmental sciences which covers many of the same topics.

    At postgraduate level, you can study an MA or MSc in environmental studies over two years. It’s also possible to study for a PhD for up to five years, but this will usually be in a specific area of the subject.

    A lot of learning on an environmental studies program will take place in lectures and seminars, but you will also spend time out in the field and doing practical work. Assessment will mainly be through assignments, essays, project work and written exams, but this will vary depending on your precise program.

    The program content of every environmental studies course will be unique, and most will include optional or elective modules you can choose to tailor your degree. Here are some of the course subjects many programs will cover:

    • Environment and society
    • Environmental policy
    • Human geography
    • Managing the environment
    • Ecosystems and ecology
    • Research methods
    • Global environmental issues
    Environmental studies program structure

    In many North American universities, you can study environmental studies as part of a liberal arts bachelor’s degree. You can choose to major in the subject, or it can be studied as a concentration of another degree, like geography.

    Environmental studies is available as a BA or BSc over three of four years of study. There is little difference between the two qualifications, but the BSc will usually include more science-based modules. In some countries, like the UK, environmental studies is not commonly offered, but you can study environmental sciences which covers many of the same topics.

    At postgraduate level, you can study an MA or MSc in environmental studies over two years. It’s also possible to study for a PhD for up to five years, but this will usually be in a specific area of the subject.

    A lot of learning on an environmental studies program will take place in lectures and seminars, but you will also spend time out in the field and doing practical work. Assessment will mainly be through assignments, essays, project work and written exams, but this will vary depending on your precise program.

    The program content of every environmental studies course will be unique, and most will include optional or elective modules you can choose to tailor your degree. Here are some of the course subjects many programs will cover:

    • Environment and society
    • Environmental policy
    • Human geography
    • Managing the environment
    • Ecosystems and ecology
    • Research methods
    • Global environmental issues

    Types of environmental studies degrees

    Best countries to study environmental studies

    Best universities to study environmental studies

    See all universities offering environmental studies programs

    How to study environmental studies abroad

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    Environmental studies study abroad programs

    Environmental studies undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in environmental studies

    • false

      Environmental Studies: Natural Resources - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,000 USD

      Start date
      August, June, January
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies: Natural Resources
    • false

      Earth and Environmental Studies - BA Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      30,634 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 30,634 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Earth and Environmental Studies
    • false

      Environmental Studies - BA Western Washington University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,690 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,690 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    • false

      Environmental Studies - BSc Lynn University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      37,600 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 37,600 USD

      Start date
      May, January
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    • false

      Environmental Studies - BSc Florida A&M University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,940 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,940 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    See all bachelor's degrees in environmental studies

    Associate in environmental studies

    • false

      Environmental Studies - AA Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,348 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      May, January, September
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    • false

      Environmental Studies - ASc South Seattle College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      September, June, April, January
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    See all associate degrees in environmental studies

    Diploma in environmental studies

    • false

      Environmental Studies (Kelowna Campus) - Dip Okanagan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      11,510 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,440 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies (Kelowna Campus)
    • false

      Indigenous Environmental Studies - Dip Trent University, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,755 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,529 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Indigenous Environmental Studies
    See all undergraduate diplomas in environmental studies

    Certificate in environmental studies

    • false

      Applied Earth & Environmental Studies - Cert Coast Mountain College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      10,198 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,794 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Applied Earth & Environmental Studies
    See all undergraduate certificates in environmental studies

    Environmental studies graduate programs

    Master's in environmental studies

    • false

      Environmental Studies - MSc University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,548 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,548 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    • false

      Environmental Studies - MA Western Washington University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,588 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,588 USD

      Start date
      -
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    • false

      Environmental Studies - MES Lakehead University, Canada

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,860 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,406 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Environmental Studies
    • false

      Geography Resource & Environmental Studies - MA Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Geography Resource & Environmental Studies
    See all master's degrees in environmental studies

    Future environmental studies careers

    Many environmental studies graduates aim to work in a conservation or environmental role, but the skills you’ll learn will be transferable to a range of other careers too. Some of the roles you could consider after graduation include:

    • Environmental consultant
    • Fundraiser
    • Conservation manager
    • Secondary education teacher
    • Sustainability specialist
    • Policy adviser
    • Ecological consultant

    You can boost your employability during your time at university by getting involved in student clubs and organizations, especially those that are related to the career you want to pursue.

    Most universities have career services who can help you work out what career path is right for you. They can assist with your CV, and help you find appropriate placements or graduate roles.