Grand Valley State University Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Bachelor of ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY
Allendale, USA
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) at Grand Valley State University combines interdisciplinary, place-based learning with faculty research, internships, practicums, and community engagement. Housed in Brooks College, ENS became a major in 2019. Students choose BA or BS and complete 35–37 credits, core courses, technical elective, and focus areas such as sustainable food systems, energy, water, and built-environment.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in nonprofits, government, consultancies, utilities and community organizations in policy, sustainability coordination, water resource management, conservation, renewable energy, and environmental education. Key roles include environmental policy analyst; sustainability coordinator; water resources specialist; conservation practitioner; renewable energy project associate.
WELCOME TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES PROGRAM!
Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) at Grand Valley State University draws upon a variety of disciplines to develop a holistic, place-based, and solutions-oriented understanding of environmental and sustainability challenges. The program emphasizes a practical approach to environmental issues through collaborative problem-solving, involvement in faculty-led research projects, internships, practicums, and community engagement projects. Students gain an understanding of the way interconnected physical, institutional, and cultural systems shape our attitudes and behavior toward the environment. The ENS program resides within GVSU's Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies. First introduced in 2008 as a minor, Environmental and Sustainability Studies has grown considerably since its inception and became a major in spring 2019. Visit the online catalog for a complete program description.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Students who major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies may choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. A major requires completion of 35 to 37 credits, plus the B.A. or B.S. program requirements. Students select coursework from three categories: social and cultural perspectives, physical and life science perspectives, and political and economic perspectives. In addition to three required core courses and a technical skills elective, students organize their studies around one or more of four focus areas:
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Energy
- Water Resources
- Culture and the Built Environment
