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Environmental Studies

Help to shape a sustainable future.

Alma’s environmental studies program investigates the relationships between the environment and human behavior, health, economics and policy. As an environmental studies major, you will: 

  • Study how ecosystems are structured and how they function.
  • Explore topics such as ecology, environmental policy, climate change, environmental justice and sustainability.
  • Develop the ability to interpret and present scientific data to a range of audiences.

At A Glance

  • 12:1
    Student-to-faculty ratio
  • 18
    Average class size

Possible Careers

Environmental Lab Analyst
Spenser Congram, 2019 | Fibertec Environmental Services
Environmental Specialist
Annika Gurrola, 2018 | Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Sustainability Intern
Haley Willman, 2022 | Amcor
Senior Environmental Analyst
Kristen Trovillion, LEED AP, 2007 | Consumers Energy
Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program
Lian Lucansky, 2015 | Tufts University
Program Manager
Shalyn Stack, 2014 | Communities in Schools of Michigan

Help to shape a sustainable future.

Alma’s environmental studies program investigates the relationships between the environment and human behavior, health, economics and policy. As an environmental studies major, you will: 

  • Study how ecosystems are structured and how they function.
  • Explore topics such as ecology, environmental policy, climate change, environmental justice and sustainability.
  • Develop the ability to interpret and present scientific data to a range of audiences.

Explore

Student & Alumni Spotlights

No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.

To be able to come here and do the research on something local, to go out and see what happens when stuff like agricultural waste goes into a river, it’s really striking and meaningful. At a different school, you’re probably reading about this in a book, but here, you’re seeing it in real time.

Tre'Quan LaFond `23

To be able to come here and do the research on something local, to go out and see what happens when stuff like agricultural waste goes into a river, it’s really striking and meaningful. At a different school, you’re probably reading about this in a book, but here, you’re seeing it in real time.

Tre'Quan LaFond `23

Get to Know Environmental Studies

Meet the Faculty

At Alma, you'll benefit from small class sizes and one-on-one faculty mentorship. Learn the professors that will help you earn a bachelor's degree in environmental studies.

Community Engagement

The Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE) offers students opportunities to engage and grow in partnership with the local community. Find out how you can get involved.

Explore the Curriculum

Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.

Examine the impact of humans on ecosystems.

Alma is uniquely situated for environmental research. Our campus includes a 200-acre ecological site, and the surrounding area boasts natural streams, rivers and wilderness locations. 

 As an environmental studies major, you’ll select one of our three tracks: 

  • Environmental health investigates human interactions with the environment, focusing on risk assessment and disease.  
  • Environmental policy explores the socio-economic, policy and legal characteristics of environmental issues. 
  • Environmental science concentrates on field-based biological and geochemical systems. 

You’ll bring what you learn to life in field and lab-based classes. Get real-world experience, too! All of our majors complete an internship, research project or independent study, and many choose to travel abroad. 

What You Need to Know

There is a growing demand for professionals who can address environmental challenges and promote sustainable solutions. Our alumni have pursued work or graduate-level study in environmental policy and law, sustainable business enterprise, public and environmental health, education and more. 

In addition, many Alma students in our program have received prestigious awards over the past decade. These include Fulbright, Truman and Udall scholarships. 

Have any questions?

Contact us today for more information on this program and more.

Environmental Studies Program Coordinator

Murray Borrello
(989) 463-7191
borrello@alma.edu

Admissions

Admissions Office
800-321-ALMA
admissions@alma.edu