B.S. in Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies major is for those whose interest in the environment is more interdisciplinary. Required study areas introduce students to ecology, business, nature writing, ethics and psychology or sociology and make links between each of these areas and the environment.
Environmental Studies majors choose program electives in their area of interest and are required to complete a minor to add depth to a discipline and to merge their environmental interest with a field in which they wish to work. Refer to the Minor Programs section of the college catalog for further information.
Minor in Environmental Studies
The minor in Environmental Studies can be combined with any baccalaureate degree. See the college catalog for requirements.
Facilities and Resources…
The Environmental Studies Department offers stationary and mobile lab equipment for air, water and soil testing. The department is housed in the new Curtis L. Ivey Science Center, with extensive space for laboratories, classrooms and technology including GIS.
Community Based Projects…
The community based project is the defining characteristic of the Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors. In addition to traditional classroom and laboratory exercises, students are immersed in an in-depth, year-long analysis of a local environmental problem or issue.
Field Studies…
Colby-Sawyer College offers a variety of field studies courses and also has an affiliation agreement with the School for Field Studies for an international experience.
Capstone Project
Colby-Sawyer seniors complete a Capstone project, a culmination of work in their fields of study that allows them to demonstrate a deep understanding of a body of knowledge and perspectives informed by that knowledge.
Environmental Studies majors complete an independent research project in an area relevant to the study of community and environment. Students learn to develop a research question, become familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methods, and write a literature review and a research proposal. Class sessions are discussion-based as students apply the readings to the development of their research question and proposal. Visit My Capstone Experience to find out more about student capstones.
Additional Curricula Opportunities…
Students interested in law, medicine and veterinary practice can combine their major with a course of study to prepare for the next academic step.
