Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major offered by the Department of Geography, Environment and Urban Studies. Environmental studies examines the nature, causes and consequences of human interactions with the environment. Environmental studies students seek to understand and address the crucial environmental issues of our time, such as climate change, environmental justice and resource management. Our students are introduced to physical geography, an understanding of the economic system and social science methods (GIS, spatial statistics, remote sensing, environmental impact assessment, quantitative and qualitative research methods) and are given flexibility to choose electives that fit the students’ own academic interests.
This major prepares students for environmentally focused careers as well as graduate programs in environmental studies, sustainability, law, geography, resource management, planning and other fields. A minor in environmental studies is available to any student enrolled at Temple University. Many students choose to add an Environmental Studies minor as a complement to their primary major. This is an 18-credit minor, requiring students to take one gateway course and five electives.
Environmental Studies students are introduced to:
- Current environmental issues such as health and justice, geospatial techniques and environmental policy
- Social science approaches to examining nature-society relations
Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is powerful analytical software that combines data with maps. It allows users to query, analyze and visualize spatial data, asking any “where” questions: “where are we seeing outbreaks of flu,” “where will this utility have the greatest impact” or “where should we open our storefront?” Because it is so widely applicable, geographic information has become one of the linchpins of the Information Age. Employers across industries are seeking candidates trained in geospatial technologies. Because its uses are so pervasive, the U.S. Department of Labor considers geospatial technology a high-growth industry, growing at an annual rate of almost 35 percent, with faster-than-average job growth expected over the next 10 years.
+1 Accelerated Degree Offerings
Students can start pursuing a graduate degree in their junior or senior year and complete their graduate degree in one additional year by enrolling in a +1 program.
Professional Science Master’s in Geographic Information Systems (PSM in GIS)
Students may enter the +1 program in their junior or senior year, taking up to four graduate-level courses during their undergraduate program. The remaining graduate credits are completed the year after completing their bachelor’s degree. Graduate-level courses completed during the junior or senior year may be used to satisfy major requirements, as appropriate.
The +1 program allows students to begin pursuing a graduate degree in a high-growth area while still working toward an undergraduate degree, saving them time and money in earning their graduate degree.
- Learn More about the BA/BS and Professional Science Master’s in GIS
Questions? Contact guses@temple.edu.
B.A. in Geography and Urban Studies or Environmental Studies + M.A. in Geography and Urban Studies
The M.A. in Geography and Urban Studies accelerated degree is open to Geography and Urban Studies and Environmental Studies majors. Students can apply as early as second semester sophomore year for entry their junior year or as late as second semester junior year for entry their senior year.
- Learn More about the B.A. in Geography and Urban Studies or Environmental Studies + M.A. in Geography and Urban Studies
Academic Advising and Professional Development
Take full advantage of the College of Liberal Arts’ flexible curriculum with the help of our award-winning advisors. We help you select a major or minor and graduate on time. Beyond academics, our advisors ensure you have a rich experience at Temple by complementing your academic work with study abroad programs, internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
- Learn More about Temple’s Award-Winning Advisors
Fly in 4
Take charge of your future and limit your debt. The Fly in 4 partnership allows you to complete your degree on time — or Temple will pay for your remaining coursework. Graduating on time means your path to success starts sooner. We provide you with the resources you need to graduate in four years, like academic advising and classes offered when you need them. You commit to doing what it takes to graduate in four years, and we’ll help you get there.
- Learn How to Fly in 4
Financial Aid and Scholarships
At Temple, we believe that students from all walks of life should have access to an outstanding college education. If you need help paying for your education, you aren’t alone. Most students receive some form of financial aid to fund their education. About 69% of first-year Temple students receive need-based financial aid, and the average first-year financial aid package is about $15,000. Eligible students receive financial assistance from federal, state, private and university sources. Explore all available funding and apply early to make your college education an affordable experience.
Undergraduate Tuition
No Added Tuition Costs. That’s the promise the College of Liberal Arts makes (and keeps) to all of our incoming students. We know deciding to attend college is a big one, both in life and financially, so we're committed to keeping costs down. We're one of only three schools/colleges at Temple University that do not charge a tuition differential, so what you see is what you pay. Our priority is helping you graduate with less student debt.
We understand that, at this phase, you are weighing all your options, and you should be! It's crucial to find the right fit for YOU and YOUR PASSIONS.
For more information, visit Temple's costs, aid and scholarships page and Temple’s tuition calculator. To see tuition rates for all Temple schools and colleges, visit Temple’s 2025–2026 tuition rates page.