Environmental Studies Program
at boston college
The Environmental Studies Program uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the science and policy of the Earth's environmental challenges and is designed to complement any undergraduate major.
The goals of the Environmental Studies minor are to provide undergraduate students with:
- an awareness of the scientific, political and cultural aspects of the world's environmental problems and paths toward sustainable solutions;
- a background for environmentally related careers in business, education, law, policy or research; and
- preparation for graduate study.
All Environmental Studies minors take environmental science and policy foundation courses chosen from a short list of options, three elective courses chosen from offerings in various departments, and a senior seminar. The classes of 2015-2016 have a new set of requirements that makes use of new course offerings at BC. The classes of 2011-2014 will find that their minor requirements are largely compatible with the new curriculum.
Requirements for the Environmental Studies Minor for the Classes of 2011-2014
Requirements for the Environmental Studies Minor for the Classes of 2015-2016
News and Announcements
Joseph Manning ’14 attends United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Cancun, Mexico Read more »
Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Noah Snyder takes reins of Environmental Studies Program Read more »
Visit the program's blog for updated news, links to interesting articles, and program updates View blog »
MULTIMEDIA
Research Videos
Five BC professors discuss the environmental aspects of their research programs. These videos premiered at the Excelling at Sustainability conference in April 2011.
Catholic perspectives
VIDEO FROM FRONT ROW
Dan DiLeo of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change discusses the Church's teaching and message on climate change and environmental stewardship.
Into the woods
SLIDESHOW FROM @BC
A group of students conducted an inventory of the trees on the Chestnut Hill and Brighton campuses as part of the University’s effort to determine its overall carbon footprint. This slideshow showcases a selection of the University's noteworthy trees.
Student Profile
Natalie Isaksson believes that minoring in Environmental Studies has made her "a more well-rounded, well-informed person who feels comfortable asking questions and taking the time and effort to ascertain whether the goods/services I am consuming are detrimental to the environment or not." Read more »
Course spotlight
People and Nature (SC025/HS121)
This course combines contemporary analyses of how humans are altering the planet with the historical record, and explores both the familiar and the novel in the realm of ecological challenges. Topics include climate change, de-forestation, water shortages, the spread of disease, limits to growth, the global consumer culture, food systems, and culture and values. Learn more »
View course syllabus »