The Environmental Studies B.A. with focus on Environmental Systems and Geospatial Analysis prepares students to understand and address complex environmental challenges through an integrated study of water, energy, and spatial systems. Students develop strong foundations in environmental studies, geography, policy, and geospatial technologies鈥攅specially Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a set of tools for mapping, analyzing, and visualizing data across space鈥攕kills that are essential for analyzing data, informing decisions, and supporting community resilience. As the program expands its capacity in geospatial analysis and applied environmental research, we are training the next generation of leaders and decision makers equipped to navigate the water鈥攅nergy nexus and work on real-world environmental鈥憅uestions.
Billings and the surrounding region offer a living lab for studying environmental systems and geospatial questions: the Northern Great Plains, the Yellowstone ecosystem, and dynamic energy landscapes are all within reach. Courses routinely draw on local and regional GIS datasets鈥攕uch as land cover, water resources, and infrastructure鈥攕o you can see how the places you know become part of your learning and future work.
Billings is also a very affordable city by western U.S. standards, making it easier for students to balance school, work, and life while they study. The city offers a mix of coffee shops, local restaurants, music and arts events, and community organizations, along with practical benefits like short commute times and accessible housing. Just outside town, trail systems, sandstone rims, rivers, and nearby mountain ranges provide quick access to hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, and winter activities鈥攇iving students plenty of ways to connect classroom learning with the landscapes they explore on their own time. And while we are delighted to share this place with students who value Montana鈥檚 landscapes and communities, we don鈥檛 mind if you keep it a bit of a well-kept secret.
Graduates of the Environmental Studies (B.A.) 鈥� Environmental Systems and Geospatial Analysis program are prepared for careers that blend environmental science, geography, policy, and geospatial skills. Environmental and GIS-related jobs offer steady demand, solid salaries, and opportunities to work on issues like water, energy, climate, and community resilience.
In this program, students learn geography and environmental studies by doing鈥攚orking with real environmental datasets in the computer lab and getting outside to study landscapes firsthand. GIS labs draw on land cover, water quality, energy infrastructure, and census data to help students turn complex information into clear maps and analysis that support decision making. Field experiences in regional landscapes such as Yellowstone, the Beartooths, and the Northern Plains give students the chance to collect water and air samples, record GPS points, and connect classroom ideas to the places they care about. Many courses include community engaged or project based learning, where students collaborate with cities, NGOs, tribal partners, and agencies on practical environmental questions and solutions.
At the same time, our geography and social science-focused courses keep people at the center of environmental questions. Students might analyze a proposed bill before the Montana Legislature, work with community organizations on survey or interview projects, or hear from international guest speakers discussing energy transitions, migration, and climate impacts in places like North Africa and Europe. The technical tools are important, but the heart of the program is geography itself鈥攍earning to see and understand the world in new ways. Again and again, students tell us that these geography focused classes become their favorite courses and form the backbone of their experience in Environmental Studies.
Our small classes foster close interaction with faculty, collaborative learning, and practical, hands-on experiences in the classroom and the field. Alumni credit these personalized settings for helping them develop strong academic and professional skills.
Our flexible interdisciplinary degree plan blends core environmental studies and geospatial coursework with electives tailored to your interests. The program emphasizes the critical balance between the natural and social sciences鈥攔ecognizing that environmental change is ultimately shaped by human decisions.
Get outside the classroom through field experiences鈥攃ollecting water or air samples, completing local environmental observations, and applying classroom knowledge to real-world questions.
Build your mapping, spatial analysis, and broader geographic thinking skills with ArcGIS and QGIS in beginner friendly labs. You鈥檒l also explore data visualization and simple coding techniques using intuitive tools like R and Python鈥攏o prior experience required.
Work closely with faculty advisors who help you choose courses, connect with internships and research opportunities, and plan your next steps鈥攚hether that鈥檚 graduate school, public service, or environmental work in the private sector.
Dr. Akanga and Dr. Nelson lead projects that span Montana landscapes and international field sites, then bring those experiences back into their courses. Students gain a worldclass, globally informed geographic perspective on energy, water, agriculture, and human鈥揺nvironment systems鈥攚hile studying in Billings and staying connected to the communities they call home.
