Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary, integrative study of a broad range of environmental issues. Environmental science (such as climatology or conservation biology) is one aspect. But environmental studies also brings together the spectrum of foci that are necessary to solve, evaluate, comprehend, and communicate environmental issues. Thus, environmental studies includes sciences, economics, government, policy, history, humanities, art, film, ethics, philosophy, and writing.

For students to engage contemporary environmental issues, they must obtain expertise in the area of their major and gain broader perspectives in environmental studies through a set of introductory and elective courses that increase the breadth of their understanding to complement their specialty. The aim of the program is to graduate students who have both a specialty and breadth of perspective so that they can interpret environmental information; understand the linkages to social, political, or ethical issues; and formulate well-reasoned opinions.

Environmental studies is also offered as a linked major.

The certificate is granted for a minimum of seven credits as follows:

• Either BIOL197/E&ES197/ENVS197 or E&ES199 or a 4 or 5 on the Environmental Science AP Exam
• Plus six courses related to the environment as follows:
  • Three must come from one department
  • Six must come from three departments or programs
  • Courses must come from two divisions
  • One course must be at the 300 level or higher
  • With the exception of BIOL197/E&ES197/ENVS197 or E&ES199, all other courses must be at the 200 level or higher

Students may petition the director to substitute courses for the certificate (e.g., courses taken abroad, at other institutions, etc.).

Barry Chernoff, Director
284 High Street, x2452
bchernoff@wesleyan.edu

Laurie Kenney, Administrative Assistant
284 High Street, x3733
lkenney01@wesleyan.edu