Environment & Sustainability at W&M
The Environment & Sustainability Program (ENSP) helps you become an innovative change maker who carries a vision of how to resolve our contemporary environmental problems through science, policy and imagination. This program reaches across the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. It is one of the most integrative environmental programs in the nation. Since ENSP is a secondary major, the ENSP degree offered (B.A. or B.S.) is determined by the primary major chosen before or at the same time as you declare ENSP. You will also focus your studies through one of three tracks: environmental science, environmental policy or environmental humanities.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study Introduction to Environment & Sustainability (ENSP 101), Science Communication (ENSP 440) and Watershed Dynamics (ENSP 341).*
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Environmental Research
Take part in funded summer research and intern at local agencies including Friends of Powhatan Creek, Chesapeake Bay Program and the Environment Planning Committee of James City County.
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Study Abroad
Meet with an advisor to determine which overseas program would be the best fit — from Costa Rica to Kenya to Australia.
Rankings
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# 3Best Colleges for Environmental Science in VirginiaNiche 2025
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Top 30Best Colleges for Public Policy in AmericaNiche 2025
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# 14Best Science Lab FacilitiesThe Princeton Review 2025
Student Resources
Access information about declaring a major, research, studying abroad, awards, and internships.
Mellon Environmental Postdoctoral Program
The Mellon Environmental Post-Doctoral Scholars (MEPS) program supports the annual hire of one post-doctoral-scholar (for a 2-year term) to support teaching, research, and advising in the Environmental Science & Policy (ENSP) program.

Outcomes
William & Mary has been successful in placing graduates in high-ranking environmental graduate schools and setting them up with strong career trajectories in environmental fields. Graduating students have also moved directly into positions with the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Geological Survey, National Park Service, Global Council for Science and the Environment, AmeriCorps and various environmental non-profits and consultancy companies including the Cadmus Group, Deloitte and FTI Consulting.
Hear from a Student
"The opportunity to experience lab work and execute my own project feels just as necessary as my coursework and satisfies my need for hands-on activities during my college career." — Breegan O'Hearn '25, a biology and environment & sustainability double major from San Diego, California. O'Hearn is investigating plastic toxicity.

Alumni & Friends
We love hearing from alumni! Please send us your news and keep your contact information up to date.

Support Environment & Sustainability
Your contribution to the Environment & Sustainability Program will make a difference in the education of tomorrow's leaders, in sustaining and expanding our program of teaching and research, and in the protection of our campus and community environments.
Contact Environment & Sustainability
Environment & Sustainability
Social Media
Mailing Address
Environment & Sustainability Program William & Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact Us
- Phone: 757-221-5075
- Fax: 757-221-5076
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.