Advice

If you are thinking of pursuing a major or minor in environmental studies, you should plan to take at least one of the introductory courses during your first year. ES101, a lab-based introduction to methods of analysis, takes the campus as its laboratory. You’ll measure water pollution in Lake Waban, survey invasive species on campus, and use GIS-technology to study our local environment.

ES102, a survey of major concepts in environmental studies, focuses on climate change and introduces ideas such as environmental justice, sustainability, the commons, and market-based environmental policies. Typically ES101 is offered in the fall and ES102 is offered in the spring and fall. The courses do not need to be taken in order, so you may begin exploring ES by taking either course first.