Environmental problems arise from the complex interactions between ecological and physical systems and the social, economic, political and cultural forces that shape the world in which we live. Finding solutions to environmental problems requires well-trained scientists, researchers, policy makers, planners, resource managers, and other specialists who can understand these system interactions and who can develop solutions that draw from a variety of disciplines. To help meet this challenge, our mission is to promote environmental sustainability through an interdisciplinary academic program anchored in both the natural and physical sciences and in the social sciences. The area of environmental studies explores the relationship between humans and their environment.

Since environmental concerns are so broad, we designed the Environmental Studies program (ENV) to offer students a liberal arts experience that addresses a diversity of environmental issues, while providing detailed training in specific fields. After graduation, students may pursue graduate studies in a number of disciplines or follow career paths as policy analysts, environmental consultants, environmental health specialists, urban or regional planners, science educators, or naturalists. Our graduates will serve in a variety of local, state, or federal agencies, as well as for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.