Bachelor of Environmental Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

United States of America, Lincoln

University Rank:#711

International students can study the Environmental Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln at its main campus in Lincoln , United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 21, 2027.

About Bachelor of Environmental Studies

Website: esp.unl.edu

The environmental studies major is designed for students who want to make a difference and contribute to solving environmental challenges on a local to global scale. Environmental studies is focused on solutions. Solutions to challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource conservation require individuals who have a broad-based knowledge in the natural and social sciences, as well as strength in a specific discipline. The environmental studies major provides the knowledge and skills needed for students to work across disciplines and to be competitive in the job market. The environmental studies program uses a holistic approach and a framework of sustainability. This framework recognizes the necessity of meeting current resource needs without compromising the environment or the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Minor Program Opportunities

Students interested in environmental studies may choose to minor in it through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, or use the environmental education minor or sustainability studies minor as alternatives to pursuing their interests in environment and sustainability.

Students may choose to focus their advanced coursework in ways that meet their specific interests and career goals. All students complete a core set of requirements and can determine in consultation with faculty and their academic advisor which specific option to follow. The option will be documented on the final transcript.

Environmental Studies Standard Option

To provide depth within a particular discipline within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural (CASNR) resources, the standard option is to choose a minor from a disciplinary area within CASNR. Students will select one course from the Policy area and one course from the Law area, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.

Natural Resources Option

This option provides disciplinary knowledge and proficiency in the collection, synthesis, and interpretation of information/data in the disciplines represented in the School of Natural Resources courses (NRES, WATS, SOIL, RNGE). Three of the courses need to be at the 300 level or above. Students will select one course from the Policy area and one course from the Law area, with at least 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level.

Choose from one of two collaborative programs – Public Health and Pre-Law. These course sequences are designed for students interested in pursuing post-undergraduate degrees. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.

Students may complete the Community and Regional Planning Accelerated Program. The course sequence is designed for students interested in pursuing a post-undergraduate degree. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.

Graduates of environmental studies will be able to:

Explain and apply appropriately the systemic principle of sustainability for the development of solutions to environmental and natural resource issues.
Organize, plan, and satisfactorily complete a senior project through scholarly creativity and/or in depth research that uses appropriate technical knowledge, field, laboratory, geospatial, and/or social science research methodologies.
Describe the Earth's four major spheres: land, water, living things, and air in the context of physical, geological, and biological processes, their variability over space and time, and the extent to which humans influence them.
Demonstrate the ability to critically assess environmental and sustainability issues from the local to global scale considering a range of perspectives.
Identify, explain, and evaluate problems/questions/issues using relevant data, resources and reasoning to form carefully considered conclusions.
Communicate effectively to a range of audiences through the preparation of written documents along with oral and visual presentations that are consistent with professional standards.
Effectively work in teams and groups from various backgrounds and perspectives to address environmental challenges.
Demonstrate improvement in professional and interpersonal skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, empathy, and teamwork so they can effectively operate in society and the professional world.

Graduates of environmental studies will be able to:

Explain and apply appropriately the systemic principle of sustainability for the development of solutions to environmental and natural resource issues.
Organize, plan, and satisfactorily complete a senior project through scholarly creativity and/or in depth research that uses appropriate technical knowledge, field, laboratory, geospatial, and/or social science research methodologies.
Describe the Earth's four major spheres: land, water, living things, and air in the context of physical, geological, and biological processes, their variability over space and time, and the extent to which humans influence them.
Demonstrate the ability to critically assess environmental and sustainability issues from the local to global scale considering a range of perspectives.
Identify, explain, and evaluate problems/questions/issues using relevant data, resources and reasoning to form carefully considered conclusions.
Communicate effectively to a range of audiences through the preparation of written documents along with oral and visual presentations that are consistent with professional standards.
Effectively work in teams and groups from various backgrounds and perspectives to address environmental challenges.
Demonstrate improvement in professional and interpersonal skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, empathy, and teamwork so they can effectively operate in society and the professional world.

Disciplines

Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Environmental Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Entry Requirements

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Deadlines

Summer/Fall – May 1

Spring – December 1

Additional Documents

In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
Secondary school certificate/diploma
English proficiency scores
Bank statement
Passport copy

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

Fall Term – July 15

Spring Term – December 1

Summer Term – May 1

Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

Completed Coursework Requirements

A broad section of course work in English
Native language courses
Math
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

ACT/SAT Requirements

ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

College of Architecture
College of Engineering

Bank Statement Requirements

In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

Statements must include:

Student's name
NUID Number

NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

Items not Required

Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 70

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Environmental Studies

The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.

Transferable Skills

Confidently navigate complex, ambiguous projects and environments
Conduct and present research to large and small groups
Integrate information and perspectives from multiple disciplines to solve problems
Collaborate with a team to develop solutions
Communicate clearly using different forms of writing to and for a variety of different audiences
Comprehend and critically evaluate complex information
Understand and use proper laboratory and technical skills and instruments
Offer empathetic, sensitive, and patient interactions with others
Understand and utilize a variety of research methodologies

Jobs of Recent Graduates

Environmental Scientist, Olsson & Associates Engineering - Lincoln NE
Water Quality Coordinator, City of Minneapolis - Minneapolis MN
Wildland Firefighter, United States Forest Service - Kalispell MT
VISTA Leader, AmeriCorps - Beckley WV
Plant Ecologist, Prairie Legacy Inc. - Lincoln NE
Operations Assistant, Yellowstone National Park - WY
Sustainability Associate, Cleaner Greener Lincoln - Lincoln NE
National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
Field Technician, Fish & Wildlife COOP - Lincoln NE
Crew Member, Montana Conservation Corps - Kalispel MT
More...
- Junior Consultant, NAQS Environmental Experts - Lincoln NE
- Land Steward, Nature Conservancy - AZ
- Corps Member, FEMA Corps - Baltimore MD
- Extension Field Technologist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Wildlife Technician, Northern Arizona University - Vallejo CA

Internships

Integrated Water Management Planner Assistant, Nebraska Dept of Natural Resources - Lincoln NE
Biological Technician, USDA-AMRU - Lincoln NE
Natural Resource Intern, JEO Consulting - Lincoln NE
Pathways Intern, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Lincoln NE
Integrated Management Technical Assistant, NE Dept of Natural Resources - Lincoln NE
Environmental Health Waste Section Intern, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept - Lincoln NE
Intern, Olsson Associates - La Vista NE
Crime Analysis, Lincoln Police Department - Lincoln NE
Project Manager Assistant Intern, LI-COR Biosciences - Lincoln NE
Waste Section Intern, Lancaster County Health Department - Lincoln NE
More...
- Integrated Water Management Planner Assistant, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources - Lincoln NE
- Biological Technician, USDA-AMRU - Lincoln NE
- Natural Resource Intern, JEO Consulting - Lincoln NE
- Pathways Intern, USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Services - Lincoln NE
- Permaculture Intern, Big Island Farms - Honokaa HI

Graduate & Professional Schools

Master's Degree, Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
Juris Doctorate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
Master's Degree, Agronomy-Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
Master's Degree, Environmental Science and Policy, Indiana University - Bloomington IN
Master's Degree, Energy, Technology, & Policy, Humbolt State University - Arcata CA
Master's Degree, Environmental Policy, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI
Master's Degree, Geography, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
Master's Degree, Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha NE
Master's Degree, Water Biogeochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Environmental Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Application Fee 45

How to Apply for Bachelor of Environmental Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Obtain I-20

If you need an I-20 and F-1 student visa to study at Nebraska, submit the following:

A bank statement showing the support that is greater than or equal to the cost of attendance for the program. In addition, be sure:

It includes the name of the account holder in English.
Is printed on official bank letterhead.
You write your NU ID # on the top of the bank statement.
It is signed and stamped as official by a bank representative.
Statement must be dated and be no older than 1 year old.
Statement must include a currency type.

You may also submit a scholarship letter that indicates support from a government or private scholarship. This letter must include:

Your name.
An outline of expenses the scholarship will cover.

Submit the bank statement and scholarship letter to your MyRED account.

SEVIS Transfer

If you are currently studying at a high school or university in the United States you may transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Transferring your SEVIS record allows you to maintain your current record and obtain a University of Nebraska–Lincoln I-20 which can be used to obtain a new student visa if traveling overseas prior to your enrollment at Nebraska.

When you have been admitted to Nebraska and are ready to transfer, contact the international advisor at your previous institution and ask to have your SEVIS record released to Nebraska. Our institution code is: OMA214F00217000.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Once you get to Lincoln...

International Orientation is a required event for all new international students when you arrive on campus.

Bachelor of Environmental Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

United States of America, Lincoln