Become an Active Citizen of the World
The Department of Environmental Science and Policy, International Affairs, and Political Science is housed within the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Programs is this department provide students with the background for careers in international affairs, public service, electoral politics, non-governmental organizations or the private sector.
Coursework allows you to analyze policy solutions, study natural and social sciences, and experience the political culture that shapes our society and behavior. You’ll have the chance to explore all aspects of the American political system and study how different societies and political systems around the world deal with domestic and world issues.
The Department of Environmental Science and Policy, International Affairs, and Political Science prepares you to be a fully engaged citizen in environmental, social and political issues.
Explore Our Programs
The Department of Environmental Science and Policy, International Affairs, and Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts as well as minors in each of our three degree programs. You’ll gain transferrable life skills in research and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, and oral and written communication. Get ready to be immersed in exciting coursework and experiential learning that prepares you to make an impact locally and globally.
Beyond the Classroom
Study Abroad
Environmental Science and Policy, International Affairs and Political Science students are encouraged to pursue study abroad programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Programs run during the summer, for fall and spring semesters, or for an entire year.
Kozmetsky Center of Excellence
The Kozmetsky Center enriches the intellectual life of St. Edward's University and serves as a resource for informing the broader public on critical global issues. The center facilitates discussions among experts, students, faculty and the broader public in a variety of forums.
Eco-Lead Costa Rica
Eco-Lead Costa Rica program is designed to help students develop a deep global understanding and includes a week-long trip to Costa Rica. Led by faculty from Behavioral and Social Sciences and members of the Student Life staff, this program highlights leadership issues at an international level, with a particular focus on environmentalism.
Policy and Diplomacy Conferences
Students may earn academic credit by participating in Model United Nations to learn about diplomacy and international relations, and Model Organization of American States . A select number of students may attend the Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) at Texas A&M University and participate in multi-day policy-making simulations.
Additional Opportunities
Pi Sigma Alpha
Eligible Political Science majors may join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honors Society. This is the only honor society for college and university students of government in the United States. The number of Pi Sigma Alpha chapters on campuses across the country is rapidly approaching 700. Pi Sigma Alpha is also a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
Dean’s Leadership Council – School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (DLC-BSS)
The Dean’s Leadership Council is comprised of a board of students within the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences working toward greater collaboration between students, school organizations and Student Life. Student board representatives work jointly with the dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and an advising specialist. The DLC strongly emphasizes the importance of promptly and appropriately addressing the needs and concerns of all BSS students.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Environmental Science and Policy majors work closely with faculty members to gain research skills and experience both in the laboratory and at our Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Funding is available through the Hook Fellowship for students interested in conducting field research at Wild Basin and other properties in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
BSS Research Award
Students can also apply for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Award to obtain funding to present their research at academic conferences. This research experience is influential in helping graduates acquire positions with employers and enter graduate schools.
Graduate School Placements
Institutions in which St. Edward’s International Affairs majors have enrolled for graduate or legal studies include Georgetown University, George Washington University, Cornell University, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, Columbia University, American University, and Rutgers University.
Catch Up with an Environmental Science and Policy Graduate
Camila Rojas ’19, an Environmental Science and Policy alumna, had her research published about tourism management, protected area entry fees and governance quality. Her research resulted from her study abroad experience in Panama. After graduating, Rojas went to work for at a research station in Costa Rica and that partners with local nonprofit organizations. Office of Sustainability Digital Media Intern Lorna Probasco ’20 caught up with Rojas and shares more about Rojas’s research and career path.