The challenges of today's environment -- air and water pollution, deforestation and species loss, peak oil consumption and climate change -- are complex and interconnected issues. The interdisciplinary fields of environmental science and environmental studies are both dedicated to the study of these critical problems with the aim of identifying feasible solutions. Environmental Science focuses on the study of natural systems and the application of technology to protect and improve the environment while Environmental Studies focuses on the interaction between human and natural systems and the connection between science and policy.

Environmental and sustainability issues are overarching and complex; addressing these challenges requires a unique set of skills. Because of this, both majors utilize an interdisciplinary approach toward critical analysis and problem-solving while providing students with experience in the use of a wide range of tools. Students from both majors work together in many of the same upper division courses to foster respect for diverse perspectives and abilities and to build skills for working effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (B.A.)

The Bachelor of Art (B.A.) major is designed for students with an interest in the policy and management aspects of environmental and sustainability issues. Coursework includes a foundation in environmental science. Students build upon that foundation with courses in economics, policy, communication, management, and ethics to gain a breadth of perspective for examining environmental and sustainability issues.

MISSION

Hawai‘i Pacific University is an international learning community set in the rich cultural context of Hawai‘i. Students from around the world join us for an American education built on a liberal arts foundation. Our innovative undergraduate and graduate programs anticipate the changing needs of the community and prepare our graduates to live, work, and learn as active members of a global society.

VISION

Hawai‘i Pacific University’s highly personalized, student-centered approach offering applied, experiential, and innovative educational programs will prepare our graduates to make a positive impact in their workplaces and their communities.

VALUES

The faculty, staff, students, and overall university community of Hawai‘i Pacific embrace the following values as representative of the spiritual, ethical, and philosophical principles that support our community, as well as of the aspirational ideals to which we collectively aspire.

PONO, meaning righteous, honest and moral, and an energy of necessity.

KULEANA, meaning responsibility and rights, and concern for all interests, property, and people.

ALOHA, meaning hello, goodbye, love, kindness and grace, unity, humility, patience, and waiting for the right moment.