BA in Environmental Analysis & Policy at Boston University

Environmental Analysis & Policy majors are trained broadly in the social sciences with a clearly defined specialization in the environmental field. Students learn about the social and institutional framework in which environmental and natural resource planning, management, and policymaking take place. Students take classes in the natural and physical sciences to ensure they understand the biophysical basis of environmental issues. Students gain a strong set of analytical tools that are needed by a growing number of government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit sectors that all deal with a wide range of environmental analysis or energy and environmental policymaking.

• Demonstrate knowledge of (a) current environmental issues, and the manner in which they are related to (b) fundamental concepts from social science disciplines (microeconomics as well as one or more of sociology, anthropology, political science/international relations, or law) and (c) fundamental concepts from natural science disciplines (one or more of physics, chemistry, biology).
• Demonstrate knowledge of quantitative and qualitative theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches used to analyze environmental problems and understand the effectiveness of policy interventions.
• Quantitatively analyze data and perform simulation modeling to characterize the effects of anthropogenic stressors (e.g., pollution)—and policy interventions to address them—on human and natural systems.
• Communicate effectively concepts in the natural and social sciences as they relate to environmental issues, both in writing and verbally, and demonstrate understanding of the broader societal impacts of environmental problems and policies.
• Apply a range of analysis methods toward solving qualitative and quantitative problems in the design and implementation of policies to address environmental issues.