Environmental Studies - Environmental History and Regional Studies
The Environmental Studies: Environmental History and Regional Studies Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and ecological dimensions of environmental issues. The curriculum integrates environmental history, regional studies, geography, policy analysis, and research methodology, enabling students to examine the interactions between human societies and their environments over time, assess regional ecological systems, and explore the social, economic, and political forces shaping environmental change. Students engage in fieldwork, archival research, and applied projects, cultivating analytical, research, and critical thinking skills essential for professional or academic careers in environmental studies, policy, and conservation.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in environmental history, regional studies, and ecological analysis. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, critical reasoning, and applied analysis, preparing graduates to interpret environmental patterns, evaluate historical and contemporary environmental challenges, and contribute to research or policy initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, cultural and ecological literacy, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in environmental studies, history, policy, or conservation.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Environmental Studies - Environmental History and Regional Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Area & Cultural Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Environmental History and Regional Studies
- Introduction to Environmental Studies and Regional Analysis
- Fundamentals of Environmental History
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
- Geography and Ecological Systems
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Environment and Society
- Human-Environment Interactions Across Regions
- Environmental Policy and Governance
- Applied Research Projects in Historical and Regional Contexts
- Electives: Climate Change, Cultural Geography, or Conservation Studies
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Environmental Case Studies and Regional Impacts
- Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Ecology
- Fieldwork and Archival Research
- Electives: Sustainability, Environmental Ethics, or Resource Management
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Environmental and Regional Studies
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Research, Policy Organizations, or Environmental Agencies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental History and Regional Studies program are prepared for careers in environmental research, policy analysis, conservation, sustainability consulting, cultural and regional studies, and government or nonprofit organizations. Alumni may work as environmental analysts, researchers, policy advisors, educators, or pursue graduate studies in environmental studies, history, public policy, or conservation science. The program equips graduates to analyze ecological and social systems, interpret historical and regional environmental trends, and apply research skills to real-world challenges. With strong analytical, research, and applied skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on environmental assessment, policy development, and applied regional research.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of environmental history, regional analysis, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, fieldwork, and hands-on projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in environmental research, policy, and conservation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, preparing graduates to evaluate complex environmental challenges, develop sustainable solutions, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about environmental studies, regional research, and sustainability, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
