Environmental Studies (BA)

Curriculum Notice: We are in the midst of an exciting redesign of this curriculum that addresses the urgent challenges of our time, building new programs and majors that respond to changes in the world and tap into The New School’s unique strengths and groundbreaking work. Students who begin their studies in the Adult Bachelor's Program in fall 2026 or after can take courses in this subject and pursue it further through minors, electives, or broader individualized study. Students interested in following a guided path of study in this subject are encouraged to speak with their Student Success advisor for more information. 

Curriculum

The BA degree in Environmental Studies in the Adult Bachelor's Program requires completion of 120 credits, including specific credits for the major as described below. All Environmental Studies majors should consult Ahdya Attea, manager of BA/BFA Student Success Advising, on specific requirements for completing their degree.

Only specific courses satisfy the major requirements, including electives. Not all courses are offered each semester. Courses should be chosen carefully, in consultation with your Student Success advisor. Environmental Studies majors select subject area modules to focus on. These modules are listed below.

• Natural Science Approaches
• Humanities Approaches
• Social Science Approaches
• Praxis Approaches

The degree in Environmental Studies in the Adult Bachelor's Program requires the successful completion of 37 to 48 credits, including the senior thesis or directed research project, outlined as follows.  

Introductory courses (3–4 credits)
Choose one:

• UENV 2000 Environment and Society (4 credits)
  

Other required courses (27–36 credits)

See the list of Environmental Studies courses that fulfill subject area module requirements.

• 3 courses in one subject area module (9–12 credits)
• 3 courses in a second subject area module (9–12 credits)
• 3 Environmental Studies electives (9–12 credits)

Senior Capstone (7–8 credits)

• UENV 4210 Senior Thesis, fall (pre-thesis) (4 credits)
• UENV 4211 Senior Thesis, spring (3–4 credits)

Total credits: 37–48