Below, we outline a few recommendations for a plan of study in the Environmental Studies major. We emphasize, however, that there are several possible paths and encourage you to talk with us (your advisor or the chair) and consider how to make the best possible plan given your interests.
Year 1
Students interested in exploring ENST as a major should consider taking one or both of ENST-110: Environmental Science (taught in the Fall) and ENST-120: The Resilient (?) Earth (taught in the Spring). Several other courses (also required for the major but without pre-requisites) can also be taken in the first year though we strongly encourage students to begin with ENST-110 and ENST-120 as these courses provide framing and foundation in the department. These courses also serve as pre-requisites for advanced courses in the major.
Year 2
In year 2, we recommend completion of ENST-110 and ENST-120 along with one or two courses that fulfill the environmental history, environmental economics, or environmental justice requirements.
Year 3
We encourage majors to consider a study away experience in year three, as well as, deepening your ENST training with the Environmental policy and Ecology requirements along with electives that delve deeper into your interests.
Majors who are considering Senior Honors research should consult with their ENST advisor and other faculty in the department during the third year. Admittance to the Honors program occurs either (1) in the spring of the third year or (2) prior to drop/add in the fall of the final year. Prospective honors students should talk with potential thesis advisors and submit a short proposal (junior/spring pathway: late-March to early-April) or on the first day of classes in the fall semester of the senior year (senior/fall pathway) to the faculty for approval.
In terms of course work, the faculty encourage completion of most requirements by the end of year three. It is strongly recommended that students with interests in the honors program complete the Statistics / Research Methods requirement by the end of the third year.
Year 4
ENST-495: Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies (taught in the fall semester) is the capstone requirement for all majors, including thesis writers, and serves as the comprehensive evaluation.
Students accepted into the Honors program, typically enroll in two-course credits during the senior year: ENST-498 in the fall and ENST-499 in the spring. In some cases, a double course can be taken in the spring semester (ENST-499D).