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Environmental Studies Department

New Major Curriculum Effective Fall 2016

We're hiring! New faculty opening Fall 2017

Why environmental studies? Ask our students.

Preston Zimney Photo Madi Sundlof

The best part is when our lab gets to be outside to collect
samples and apply what we learned to the coursework.

Preston Zimney ('16)

By the end of the second week, I had learned more
than I had in most of my other classes combined.
Madi Sundlof ('16)

Link to Department Sharepoint

Overview of Program

  • Environmental studies was established as a major in 2003. Six department faculty, joined by two dozen faculty from other departments, offer students a unique and innovative curriculum.
  • Our curriculum is based on a core of interdisciplinary environmental studies courses that approach questions of sustainability in a variety of contexts including food, energy, gender, ecology, policy, and more.
  • Students can choose from a range of environmentally-oriented courses in art, communication, ecology, economics, ethics, literature, geology, history, nutrition, politics, psychology, sociology, and other fields in addition to our core environmental studies curriculum.
  • A focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning offers opportunities for summer research assistantships, internships, field experiences, and a capstone thesis project for all majors.
  • The natural setting of Saint Ben's and Saint John's, including wetlands, streams, forests, lakes and prairies, offers a unique environment for students to explore, conduct research, and learn about environmental education and land stewardship.
  • Graduates of the environmental studies program can be found in a variety of places after graduation. Many graduates choose to volunteer or pursue further education, while many can be found in a number of unique career paths.
  • Saint John's Abbey installed approximately 1800 solar panels on 3.9 acres of former farmland in the fall of 2009. At the time of installation, the solar farm was the largest in Minnesota.
  • In 2005, CSB/SJU designated environmental studies as one of the first Signature Programs of the two institutions. The designation is part of a strategic planning initiative to strengthen and highlight interdisciplinary programs.

Sarah McLarnan ('17)

Sarah receives $50,000 EPA grant

Sarah is one of 35 students nationwide to be selected for a Greater Research Opportunities Undergraduate Fellowship and a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Congratulations, Sarah!

Student Profile

"I have been grateful for the opportunity to explore my interests without confining myself to one path." See what else Sarah has to say!

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