Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies degree at NIU prepares our students to meet environmental challenges on a local, regional, and/or global level. As a student in our program, you will analyze solutions to energy demands; assess the impact of environmental, climatic, and energy challenges facing society; and learn how to promote sustainability and the new policies surrounding it.

Students interested in studying the environment may choose from four options:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree 
• Minor in environmental studies
• Future secondary science teachers may pursue teacher certification in Environmental Science through the Environmental Science Teacher Preparation Program.

The environmental studies program offers six areas of emphasis: biodiversity and environmental restoration, energy studies, environmental policy, nature in society, sustainable food systems, and water sciences. You can customize your course of study to reflect your specific interests.

Environmental Studies Emphases

• Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration
• Energy Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Nature in Society
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Water Sciences