Brigham Young University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Offered by the College of Life Sciences and the department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, the Environmental Science and Sustainability major prepares students to address some of the world’s greatest challenges while learning in a vibrant, outdoor environment. Among its learning outcomes, as reported in AC-2 (see the BYU Undergraduate Catalog), is this: "foster and promote an environmental awareness, stewardship, and sustainability ethic to help all understand their influence on and spiritual connection to God’s creations and Earth."

Offered by the College of Life Sciences and the department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, the Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation program at BYU is designed to help students become qualified for natural resource management jobs. Students are required to complete a core block of major courses that cover the basic principles of wildlife, plants, soils and ecology, plus elective courses to increase training in their specific areas of interest.

Offered by the College of Life Sciences and the department of Biology, the Biodiversity and Conservation program was designed to help students become broadly trained in biological disciplines related to documenting and preserving biodiversity. This includes rigorous training in organismal biology, evolution, and ecology. With a thorough grounding in plant and animal diversity, evolution, and the foundational theories to explore organismal biodiversity and conservation from the molecular to the ecosystem level, graduates are prepared for work with non-government organizations focusing on conservation biology and for positions in government agencies the oversee the management of natural resources.

Environmental Geology: https://geology.byu.edu/department-majors-minors/environmental-geology

Environmental Studies in Geography: https://geography.byu.edu/environmental-studies

New in Fall 2023, Global Environmental Studies minor stands out in its recognition of the inherently interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and their potential solutions, offering a bridge from environmental studies to the humanities and the social sciences. It is designed to inspire and prepare future leaders who have the scientific, cultural, political, and moral understandings necessary to meet the environmental challenges ahead.

The minor in global and community impact teaches social impact skills that empower and prepare students to make a sustainable difference in the nonprofit, government, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility sectors. This minor is available to all interested BYU students, including BYU Marriott School of Business majors. Students can request to add the minor by contacting their major’s academic advisement center.

Offered by the College of Life Sciences and the department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, a minor in Environmental Science can be earned by adding 17 credit hours in Environmental Science courses to the 30 credit hours of university core and graduation requirements. The minor can give students a competitive edge, open up new opportunities, and broaden students’ horizons on environmental issues.