Thanks to a major grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a geologist has joined the faculty, allowing us to add geology to our curriculum. Energy resources and earth science are closely related. Seminars are a unique and important part of the major. Environmental Studies 200 introduces students to concepts and issues in environmental studies. In Environmental Studies 400, senior majors study current environmental topics, and interact with practitioners in the field from throughout the Northwest.
Seniors also organize a major weeklong symposium featuring regional and national speakers.
Comprehensive advising is a key component of this major. Each student develops a plan of study with an adviser who is a member of the environmental studies faculty. Students who want to pursue postgraduate study in environmental science are strongly advised to combine a major in environmental studies with a major in mathematical and natural sciences. Students also have numerous opportunities to study environmental issues off campus. An honors option, including a thesis, is also available.