Thematic Tracks
Environmental Studies majors must choose a specialization (thematic track) within the major. Tracks provide flexibility and a guided structure for students to tailor their major according to their broader academic interests and career goals. Explore the five tracks below, including sample paths students can take to explore specific areas of interest within each track.
ENVS majors completing the Environmental Science track can receive a BS. Environmental Studies completing the Environmental Humanities track can only receive a BA. Students in all other tracks can receive a BS only if at least 50% of the classes in the major fulfill a math or natural science requirement. Please note that if you are co-majoring, whether you receive a BA or a BS will be ultimately dictated by the major you declare first.
Track I: Environmental Science
Environmental Science focuses on science and the tools necessary to detect, evaluate, and solve environmental problems (basic principles, theories, and methods in biology, chemistry, Earth and ocean sciences, and physics).
Track II: Sustainability, Policy, and Equity
Sustainability, Policy, and Equity focuses on human development policies and practices that can have both positive and negative effects on the natural ecosystem and human well-being, both now and in the future.
Track III: Environmental Communication
Environmental Communication will require students to have knowledge of natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts and humanities to effectively communicate complex environmental issues to diverse audiences.
Track IV: Food Systems, Nutrition and the Environment
Food Systems, Nutrition and the Environment focuses on the importance of sustainable food production systems and critical issues of access to high quality food.
Track V: Environmental Humanities
Environmental Humanities examines a wide range of cultural expressions and artistic representations of environmental issues in order to understand the values that shape and determine human beings’ relationship to the environment.