Overview

The Environmental Studies B.A. at North Central College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of complex ecological issues through the lenses of social sciences, humanities, and business. This interdisciplinary programme prepares graduates to address critical global challenges such as population growth, energy consumption, and biodiversity loss. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the university ensures students are ready to lead in various environmental sectors.

Why Environmental Studies at North Central College?

Students benefit from a unique geographical location situated amidst a complex landscape of urban, agricultural, prairie, and wetland habitats. The university provides access to the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center and the Strauss Greenhouse, serving as vital resources for scientific investigation. Beyond the classroom, the campus itself acts as a living laboratory where students study green initiatives, including geothermal heating systems and solar panel arrays.

The programme maintains strong connections with local and national institutions, including Argonne and Fermi national laboratories. Students often collaborate with the DuPage County Forest Preserve and various non-profit organisations. Furthermore, the Center for Global Education offers opportunities to conduct independent research on environmental issues in international locations such as Costa Rica, Australia, and China.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on humanistic connections to the environment and requires an experiential component to ensure practical proficiency. Modules may include:

Science of Climate Change
People and Nature
U.S. Environmental Policy
Environmental Economics
Environmental Careers
Environmental Problem Solving
Environmental Literature: Storytelling for Sustainable Futures
Environmental Ethics
American Environmental History

Careers with Environmental Studies

Graduates are equipped for diverse professional paths in environmental management, law, and education. The university's robust alumni network and the Center for Career and Professional Development support students in securing roles within various industries. Common career destinations for graduates include:

Biologist or Ecologist
Urban and Regional Planner
Sustainability Coordinator
Environmental Educator
Environmental Lawyer

Recent students have gained valuable experience through internships at prestigious organisations such as the Brookfield Zoo, the Morton Arboretum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the U.S. Park Service at Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Science of Climate Change
People and Nature
U.S. Environmental Policy
Environmental Careers
Environmental Internship
Symposium in Environmental Experiential Component
Environmental Problem Solving

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

Environmental Management Environmental Sciences View 138 other Bachelors in Environmental Management in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Environmental Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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