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Jackie Fahrenholz in Indonesia for student research.

Environmental Studies

As the political debate over climate change rages, the need for highly trained environmental specialists has never been more urgent. McDaniel’s Environmental Studies major offers multiple tracks, so you’ll be equipped to fight this battle on many fronts.

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The Environmental Studies degree at McDaniel College prepares you to become a leader, problem-solver, and environmental professional. With a focus on experiential learning and the scientific method, you’ll delve into the interdisciplinary study of human-environmental relations with a focus on human influences on the environment and environmental problem-solving.

There are three specializations within the major: Environmental Policy and Management, Environmental Biology, and Earth System Science. As an Environmental Studies major, you’ll explore contemporary environmental issues and develop professional competencies through innovative courses. Program graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to address socio-ecological challenges and create a better world.

Future Career Paths

Environmental Studies students will be well prepared for graduate study and to pursue careers as:

  • Policy analysts
  • Science researchers
  • Environmental consultants
  • Environmental health specialists
  • Urban or regional planners
  • Science educators
  • Naturalists

Distinctive Courses

ENV 1131 - Environmental Problem Solving

This course is the introductory course for environmental science. An interdisciplinary study of environmental problems that considers world populations, energy, air and water pollution, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and environmental health. Class discussion will center on solutions including technical and human behavioral modifications that can lead to the sustainable use of our environment.

ENV 2151 - Sustainability

Sustainability in its simplest form is the continuation of a process. When proposed for human and natural systems, sustainability aims to meet the needs of the present while considering the needs of the future. To achieve this vision sustainability requires navigating many of the social and environmental challenges faced in our contemporary era. Within this course we will explore these challenges alongside the myriad of opportunities available to develop new solutions and scale-up those solutions already available. To achieve these course goals, this class combines interactive lectures, discussions, and individual and team-based assignments that examine sustainability globally, locally, and personally.

ENV 3110 - Climatology

Understanding processes that have affected climate in the past will help us predict future global warming. In this course, we will explore how the climate of the Earth has changed in the past, what caused past climate changes, and how we know. We will investigate concepts such as Faint Young Sun, Milankovitch Cycles, and “snowball Earth” and the connections between Earth’s systems and its climate.

ENV 3114 - Wetland Ecology

Wetlands have been greatly maligned as wasted land and mosquito breeding grounds for centuries; however, these delicate environments have been shown to provide essential ecosystem services, including filtering of nutrients and sediments, bird and fish habitat, and attenuation of floods. Because of this, many environmental agencies and non-profit groups are working to restore wetlands. In Wetland Ecology, we will explore the characteristics and function of wetlands, what sorts of organisms live in wetlands, and how humans can improve their interactions with wetlands in both in the classroom and through field and laboratory experiences. We will develop an appreciation of these critical ecosystems.

Special Opportunities

There are three tracks to choose from in Environmental Studies. Our core courses cover a range of environmental issues, but choosing a specialized track provides detailed training in specific fields. 

Environmental Studies — Policy and Management Specialization

For students who want to understand the relationship between policy and the environment.

Environmental Studies — Environmental Biology Specialization

For students who want to better understand the biological science of the environment.

Environmental Studies — Earth System Science Specialization

For students who want to understand how complex systems interact to affect various aspects of life on our planet.

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Experiential Learning

Two seniors majoring in Environmental Studies were awarded top prizes at the Maryland Water Monitoring Council’s Annual Conference

Environmental Studies seniors awarded top prizes at annual statewide environmental conference Research in Action

Class of 2024 seniors Garrett Tucker and Olivia Sunde were awarded top prizes at the Maryland Water Monitoring Council’s Annual Conference held Nov. 17 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Their research involved collaborations with the community to explore issues of water monitoring in the local region.

Jackie Fahrenholz (left) and Kathryn Dixon during their Jan Term study trip to the Bahamas

Environmental Studies major immerses in real-life experiences around the globe Developing Skills

The Hill has become a home base of sorts for Jackie Fahrenholz's adventures in experiential learning. Nature is the McDaniel senior’s classroom in remote locations all over the world.

Beth Lang, Environmental Studies and Biology Major Senior Capstone

Environmental Studies and Biology major Beth Lang talks about her senior capstone — her study on restoring the ecosystem on the Singleton Matthews Farm as the culmination of her Environmental Studies and Biology training at McDaniel.

McDaniel Environmental Center

McDaniel Environmental Center Greener | More sustainable | A better place for all

Known as the MEC, the property, formerly the Singleton-Mathews Farm, is located in New Windsor, Maryland, about 15 minutes from McDaniel's Westminster campus. 

The MEC consists of 30 acres of forested land, 20 acres of fields, and eight acres of student farming land, and serves as an outdoor learning lab developed by students to engage in hands-on educational opportunities in agriculture, conservation, environmental sciences, and community building. 

The MEC provides McDaniel students with opportunities to engage in research and course-based experiences, lab-based experiential learning, community service projects and independent study work.

A student smiles to the side while walking with a backpack on their shoulder.

Meet a Green Terror Alum Class of 2024: Lauren Portis Career Experiences in Environmental Studies

"Through Associate Professor Jason Scullion, I gained a mentor, connected with an alum, and had the opportunity to intern at the Maryland Department of the Environment over the summer. I was also able to engage in wildlife corridor management utilizing geographic information system technology in an independent study. Along with the internship, Assistant Professor Elly Engle gave me the opportunity to participate in McDaniel’s Agrifood Program, working at the McDaniel Environmental Center (MEC) managing the Schaffer Forest Garden. I was also able to do summer research with Dr. Engle on agroforestry design, as we planned and planted a jam garden."

Kylie Baker Class of 2023

Meet Our Students Class of 2023: Kylie Baker Get to Know a Green Terror

As an Environmental Studies and Political Science dual major and Food Fellow, Kylie Baker has spent a lot of time outdoors with her hands in the dirt. Her time spent in the campus gardens ties into her passion for environmental policy and researching food insecurity on a local and international scale. She also founded Sunrise McDaniel and connected with like-minded Green Terrors on campus. "The community that I’ve been a member of at McDaniel has been one of the most supportive, close-knit, and loving bonds that I’ve ever known."

Recent News for Environmental Studies