Career
You want to save the world. Or maybe you just want to find out more about how to do your small part. Either way, the Program in the Environment will prepare you for success. We give you a solid grounding in the natural and social sciences without losing sight of important value questions and cultural influences. You will learn about biology, geology, and chemistry, as well as economics, political science, and psychology. You will see that ethics, art, and English can be "environmental." And when you graduate, you will be able to bridge the gap that too often exists between theory and practice, between natural science and social science, between researcher and CEO. You can use your skills to work in an environmental field, to attend medical, law, or graduate school, or to do related work such as urban planning or journalism. It's up to you. We just give you options. (click here for more career information)
Customized Education
"The Environment" is a pretty big field. Who are we to define it for you? Our job is to make sure you are well versed in the basic disciplines. Your job is to decide the area or areas in which you wish to focus. Our prerequisite and core requirements expose you to the natural and social sciences and the humanities, ensuring that you have the analytical skills and vocabulary to talk across disciplines. Our Field Experience and Specialization requirements allow you to tailor your education. Interested in international development? Study abroad and specialize in environmental economics. Want to work for the U.S. Forest Service? Take field classes at the Biological Station and specialize in terrestrial ecology. Want to teach science? Intern at a nature center and specialize in environmental education. If you want to do it, we're here to help you.
Conviction
Not everybody expects to feel passionately about what they study, but you might. If so, you'll find yourself in good company here. While our students are competitive in the job market, they don't always measure success in financial terms. They find value in the importance of their work and its significance to today's individuals and to future generations. They enjoy work where they can be caring, enthusiastic and influential. Some have said even if they never work in an environmental field, they will still live their lives in ways that were shaped by their time here. This level of commitment is not a prerequisite. But if you have it, you certainly won't be disappointed. As one student said, "Here, you're not weird if you talk about a tree."