To understand and effectively address the complexity of environmental issues, students need skills in natural and social sciences, ethics and the humanities. The newly formed Environmental Studies major is designed to provide students with these skills. This innovative interdisciplinary program provides all students with foundation coursework in natural science, policy, ethics, and humanities. From this foundation, students will elect more advanced courses to develop a program speaking to their individual interests.

A student interested in the ways that the environmental pollution affects individual health or the ecosystem might chose coursework focusing on the sciences; a student interested in development and implementation of environmental policy could chose courses in environmental policy, economics and law; a student interested in environmental justice might specialize in ethics and sociology; and a student interested in communication might elect coursework in journalism and creative writing. 

In addition to advanced coursework tailored to individual interests, all students are required to take a capstone course that will look at an environmental issue from various perspectives.  Students are also expected to complete a practicum or internship.  A variety of placement opportunities are available.  Students can work with governmental or non-profit agencies locally or nationally.  They may also take advantage of a number of international programs in countries ranging from Costa Rica to the Czech Republic.