The Environmental Studies program at Washington University offers one major and one minor. The Environmental Analysis major creates a framework to integrate environmental courses and places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and general analytical and problem-solving skills. We offer an explicit focus on the application of those skills to analyze and design solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. The curriculum for this major is integrated and interdisciplinary, drawing from many disciplines across Arts & Sciences and the university as a whole. Thus, the major captures the strengths of the traditional academic departments and incorporates the interdisciplinary innovation necessary to fully explore the multiple issues and questions posed by the study of the environment. In addition to these three majors, anthropology majors can choose a specialization within the major focused on global health and the environment.

Undergraduate students have opportunities to conduct research projects with professors and research scientists at Washington University’s 2,000-acre field research station, the Tyson Research Center, located just 20 miles southwest of main campus. Research is conducted on biodiversity conservation and restoration, invasive species ecology, plant-animal and plant-soil interactions, and infectious disease ecology for projects funded by the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The program maintains close relationships with the Office of Sustainability, the International Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability (InCEES), and other Washington University organizations, which provide opportunities for internships, seminars, events, and research.