Major, B.A.
The major in Environmental Studies invites students to join the ongoing work of understanding then addressing the restoration of planetary ecosystems and human health.
Students are accepted into the Environmental Studies major by application only. Applications are evaluated for academic achievement, related coursework, and a personal statement that demonstrates a genuine interest and track record in environmental work. Admission is determined by the Steering Committee of the Environmental Studies Program, which includes faculty drawn from many departments. Between 30 and 40 students are accepted into the major each year. Students are informed of their application status prior to the spring registration period.
At a Glance
Reflecting the holistic nature of our approach, student take courses in natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities.
Students take six 3-credit courses within a concentration that focuses either on an environmental challenge or career path.
Our community shares common goals, but students develop as individuals by following their unique interests and developing new skills.
With an array of courses, students can pursue their passions and fulfill requirements within the concentration in a variety of ways.
Program Goals and Requirements
Program Goals
The Environmental Studies Program aims to empower students to be agents of change for a sustainable society. We meet this goal by:
- Providing students with an interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of the world's environmental challenges from scientific, societal, and cultural points of view
- Preparing students with a diverse skill set for a wide range of environmentally related careers and/or further graduate study
Learning Outcomes
Key Knowledge Areas:
- Anthropogenic drivers of environmental problems in our existing social, political, and economic frameworks and institutions
- Science of Earth’s systems and the physical processes, chemical reactions, and feedback loops behind modern environmental crises
- History of societies’ complex relationship with built and natural environments
- Social systems at the root of environmental inequality
- Sustainable futures forged through new scientific knowledges, public policies, and collective efforts to enact change
Acquired Skills:
- Applying systems-thinking to solve complex socio-environmental problems
- Communicating knowledge and ideas through critical writing, academic presentation, and constructive dialogue
- Conducting scientific research, making use of mixed analytical methods
- Working collaboratively as members of effective teams