Majors

In search of old growth forests

To have environmental studies as a major, a student may choose environmental studies as a stand alone major, or as a combined major, or use environmental studies as one field in a multi-field major. Students enrolled in one of the environmental studies majors may pursue honors in that major.

Stand Alone Major
The department has created a stand alone major (B.A.) for students who wish to concentrate their efforts in environmental studies. This major is tailored to individual interests and emphasizes depth in selected sub-areas, as well as the integrative, interdisciplinary approaches of environmental studies.

Combined Majors
Environmental studies, in conjunction with other departments, has created ten combined majors for students to integrate substantial efforts in traditional disciplines with environmental studies. These majors are designed for students who wish to acquire expertise in another department while still benefiting from the integrative approaches of environmental studies.

Progress in both halves of the combined major should take place at about the same pace. Students enroll in Environmental Studies 101 in their first or second year and 335 in their sixth or seventh semester. Students intending to pursue a combined major in environmental studies must take 101 by the end of their fourth semester. A major in environmental studies cannot be declared later than the end of a student's fifth semester, or equivalent. In each combined major, it is essential that the student work closely with advisors in both departments.

Certain restrictions apply to the stand-alone and all combined majors.