Environmental Studies

The environmental studies program is housed within the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy (ESE). Environmental studies seeks to (1) evaluate the nature and magnitude of environmental and climatic change at local, regional, and global scales; (2) understand and explore solutions to energy challenges; and (3) assess the impact of environmental, climatic, and energy challenges on society and contribute toward the development of public policy that promotes sustainability.

Environmental Studies offers both a B.A. and a B.S. degree. The major is designed for students seeking careers in identifying the causes, scales, and remediation or mitigation approaches to major local, regional, and global environmental problems. Each student must complete the required core courses of the major along with an emphasis field. Courses used to satisfy requirements for the major may have prerequisites that are not part of the major curriculum.

In fulfilling program requirements, a particular course may be counted in one area only, even if it is cross-listed in more than one department. Related courses from other departments may be substituted for environmental studies courses with the prior written approval of the program director, assistant director, or program advisor.

The program draws upon courses and faculty expertise from departments across the university to provide students with a broad understanding of environmental issues, sustainability challenges, and solutions. Participating departments include Anthropology; Biological Sciences; Earth, Atmosphere and Environment; Engineering Technology; History; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Philosophy; Political Science; Public Health; and Sociology and Criminology.

This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for careers in sustainability and natural resource management, environmental policy and governance, environmental health and justice, sustainable food systems, and environmental science education.