Feature Story
Environmental Studies Major to be Offered Beginning Fall 2025
President Bonnie H. Cordon and the President’s Council are pleased to announce that Southern Virginia University will offer a bachelor’s degree program in environmental studies in the Fall 2025 semester, along with a minor and a concentration.
“At Southern Virginia, we are committed to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit,” said President Cordon. “The new environmental studies program reflects that mission by preparing students in rigorous academics and practical application not only to understand and protect the natural world, but to do so as faithful stewards of God’s creation.”
This new major is designed to reflect the University’s liberal arts foundation. Distinct from a technical environmental science degree, this program will build on the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, offering students a robust scientific core while encouraging interdisciplinary exploration of environmental issues.
“We’ve had many students over the years with a deep passion for the environment—many of whom have created their own informal paths by combining courses in biology, chemistry, and political science,” said Associate Professor of Biology Sam Hirt, who serves as the program coordinator. “Now, they’ll have a formal academic home, and their diploma will clearly reflect their focus on environmental studies.”
“We live in one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the country here in the Shenandoah Valley,” Hirt continued. “Our students experience the environment daily, and this major equips them to understand it, care for it, and bring that stewardship into the wider world.”
The curriculum includes foundational coursework in environmental science, biology, chemistry, and sustainability, as well as electives in ethics, history, business, psychology, communication, and political science. This allows students to tailor the major to their interests and career goals. A physical engagement requirement—such as hiking or birdwatching—further connects students with the natural world.
The senior capstone project for the environmental studies major will allow students to apply their knowledge to a real-world environmental challenge, either on campus or in the local community.
“We see this program as both academically rigorous and deeply practical,” said Hirt. “This major can be combined with almost any area, so our graduates will be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in fields like public policy, education, nonprofit work, environmental law, or sustainable business.”
“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we’re also called to be caretakers of God’s creations,” continued Hirt. “This major will help our students live that calling in meaningful, thoughtful ways.”
Students interested in pursuing a degree in environmental studies should reach out to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@svu.edu for more information, including how to declare the major and enroll in courses. Program requirements are published in the university catalog.