The Environmental Studies major and minor provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyze complex environmental issues from a variety of perspectives -- natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. With seven core?faculty, all with active?research involving students, the ES department offers the most comprehensive environmental program among nationally ranked liberal arts colleges.

Field experiences are an essential component of most ES courses. Students travel to the mines of Pennsylvania coal country, the forests of the world-famous Gettysburg National Military Park, the beaches of North Carolina?s Outer Banks, and the decision-making centers of Washington D.C. In the summer students may enroll in departmental field courses on sea turtle conservation or the Rocky Mountain West, as well as take part in internships and research opportunities.

In the classroom or laboratory, at an internship or on a service-learning project, in the comfort of the library or under demanding field conditions, students are taught to approach environmental issues with an open mind, to examine alternatives carefully, and to write and speak effectively. The program prepares students for?graduate study and careers?in environmental science, environmental management, law, public policy, urban planning, GIS, the nonprofit sector, and other fields.

It is strongly recommended that upon declaration of the ES Major, students develop an ES major plan in consultation with an ES advisor.? The plan should include a brief outline of future courses, internships, off-campus study, and independent research.? While the plan may change, it encourages students to think intentionally about their academic careers and better prepare them to take full advantage of the learning opportunities available both on and off campus. Graduate schools often require particular coursework for admission, so students considering graduate school should speak with their ES advisors as early as possible.