Environmental and Climate Studies Major (BA)

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The environmental and climate studies major looks at humans, the environment, and the natural, social, economic and environmental systems that weave them together. Coursework in environmental and climate studies stretches from within the department across the entire university—from biology to English—as students consider concentrations in climate literacy, environmental communication, and global climate issues. A major in Environmental and Climate Studies is ideal for students who are interested in sustainability, climate justice, environmental issues, and global solutions, and see themselves as eager to engage at local, regional, and even international levels.

Environmental and climate studies majors have the option to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in public policy. Please see below for details.

Major Requirements

Electives (4 courses):

Students choose four elective courses from: the ECST course offerings, courses with the “Environmental & Climate Studies” area of study course tag, and approved internships (ECST 3990). Additional courses may be approved by the program director.

Optional Interdisciplinary Concentration

Students pursuing an environmental and climate studies major may also choose to complete an interdisciplinary concentration in public policy.

Public Policy Concentration

The public policy concentration educates students about public policy and helps them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create innovative, socially responsible solutions to the most critical issues facing society. The program forms an arc, beginning with an introduction to ethical public policy, building skills with methodology coursework, and culminating with a capstone experience in which students engage directly with a public policy issue in a semester-long applied project or internship. Students will acquire an extensive set of skills in policy evaluation and analysis, equipping them to become agents of change to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, at home and abroad. The public policy concentration is open to students majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice , Economics , Environmental and Climate Studies , Legal Studies , Political Science , or Public Health .

Concentration Requirements

PSCI 1200 - Introduction to Ethical Public Policy

One foundational methods course chosen from the following:

Two public policy courses:

Two electives chosen from the following:

(these courses help students to engage in policy analysis or navigate political/legal systems effectively)

Two electives chosen from the following:

(these courses help students to develop expertise in specific policy areas)

One senior capstone chosen from the following:

The capstone should be completed in the student’s major area and should include an applied public policy research project or internship.