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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
Photo of students and faculty exploring local wetlands

Environmental Studies

Why major in Environmental Studies?

As an Environmental Studies major at Penn State Altoona, you will explore the complex interactions between humans and nature through a broad interdisciplinary curriculum in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. You will gain new perspectives, develop the knowledge and skills to address contemporary environmental problems, and apply all of these through hands-on experiences, including fieldwork, field trips, and internships.

Request Information About the Environmental Studies Majors

Your Experiences

We are committed to providing a student-centered experience in a small campus setting. Students benefit from working closely with faculty and peers on undergraduate research, community service, and out-of-classroom activities. Our students have described our program as a “tight-knit community of professors and students” where students “learn by doing.”

Our alumni continue the tradition of service and give back to our program through alumni mentoring. Students can discuss career goals and job opportunities with alumni working in a student’s field of interest.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies: Prepare for graduate studies and/or careers with government and non-profit agencies, consulting firms, outdoor adventure, sustainability, etc.
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies: Prepare for graduate studies and/or careers in environmental science, earth science, geology, and physical geography.

Careers in Environmental Studies

Our alumni have pursued career paths including:

  • Archaeologist
  • Environmental engineer
  • GIS specialist
  • Lab quality assurance and environmental technician
  • Project manager
  • Resource, conservation, and biology specialist,
  • Zookeeper

Learn more about alumni careers and opportunities

Environmental Studies Degree Contacts

Contact Lisa Emili, the Environmental Studies Degree Program Coordinator, or reach out to any of our Environmental Studies faculty and staff.

Request Admissions Information

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Environmental Studies

  • Degree Options
  • Environmental Studies Minor
  • Seminar Forest
  • Fall 2025 Courses in Environmental Studies
  • Student Learning, Field, and Research Experiences
  • Career Opportunities
  • Connect with Alumni
    • Stay Connected with Environmental Studies
    • Get Involved
  • Alumni Success Stories
    • Courtney Bailey, '12
    • Dylan Dando, '14
    • Chelsea Burket
    • Chastity Bey
    • Garrett Harris
    • Jake Vaughn
    • Tyler Werner
    • Alex Patton
  • Environmental Studies Faculty and Staff

Suggested Academic Plans

Suggested Academic Plans (SAPs) are sample semester-by-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements.

Environmental Studies SAPs for Prospective Students

  • View the SAP for the B.A. in Environmental Studies.
  • View the SAP for the B.S. in Environmental Studies.

Environmental Studies SAPs for Current Students

To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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The Help Tool
Connect with Student Resources

Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center

Out-of-Class Learning

Out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including:

  • Study Away Programs
  • Academic Internships
  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Learn more about Out-of-class Learning

Notes from the Allegheny Front

An audio blog by Professor Todd Davis focussing on his ecological observations and experiences in the forests and on the streams of central Pennsylvania

Listen Now
Environmental Studies at Penn State Altoona

Penn State Altoona students awarded Student Engagement Network grants

Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
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