For Prospective Students
Why We're Different
We are an interdisciplinary program, with contributing faculty from many academic fields
Guaranteed research experiences for all majors
Resources include the Keck Environmental Lab and the Center for Geospatial Analysis
The interdisciplinary nature of our program means that our alumni choose a wide variety of career paths
Our Environment & Sustainability students integrate knowledge and skills from the natural, physical, social sciences, and humanities to solve current environmental problems within ethical, economic, and politically-realistic frameworks. Our program is interdisciplinary, and one of the most innovative and integrative environmental programs in the nation.
Degree Programs
The undergraduate program leads to a secondary major, and students declare a primary major in another field. Primary majors in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or other natural science field lead to the secondary major designated Environmental Science (B.S.). Other primary majors lead to the secondary major designated Environmental Policy (B.A.).
Courses
In our courses you will undertake field work, analyze public policy, appreciate how the arts reflect the natural world, and learn ethical decision-making. See the Undergraduate Catalog to explore the list of ENSP courses.
Research
Most of our students get involved with research during their undergraduate career. Areas of research include ecology and conservation, environmental geology/geochemistry, environmental justice, and international aid and policy.
Student Activities
Many students are involved with campus environmental organizations, including the Student Environmental Action Coalition, Committee on Sustainability, Global Awareness Interdisciplinary Alliance, Roots and Shoots, Green Team, NetImpact, and the Environmental Law Society.
Careers
Our graduates work for agencies such as the National Center for Science Education and the Environmental Protection Agency, and for nonprofits such as Green Corps, the Student Conservation Association, and American Rivers. Our graduates choose careers in far-ranging fields, such as environmental law, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, environmental consulting, environmental research, landscape architecture, and outdoor/environmental education. Most of our graduates eventually go on to graduate school, many for an MS or a PhD. Our graduates also go to law school, medical school and MBA programs, among others.
In February 2021, we surveyed our ENSP major and minor graduates to learn more about their career paths. Survey respondents graduated between 2002 and 2020, and work across the country (and the world!) in a variety of environmental sectors. As one of our alumni said about the ENSP program: "Major in it!" Check out our alumni career data here.
Additionally, over the years some alumni have self-reported exciting career updates. You can read about those individual alumni here.
Talk to Us
Want to know more? Our faculty want to connect with you.
- Ask a professor: contact [[ahfis2, Professor Andrew Fisher, Program Director]]