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
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
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.
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.
Get to Know Environmental Studies
Meet the Faculty
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.
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Get active, lend your voice to advocacy efforts or use science to solve problems. There’s something for everyone in Alma’s 100+ student organizations.
