Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between humans and the natural environment. This program emphasizes the scientific, social, political, and cultural dimensions of environmental issues, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address global and local environmental challenges. Through a combination of coursework, research, and experiential learning, students explore topics such as climate change, conservation, sustainability, environmental policy, and ecological systems.

The curriculum includes foundational courses in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, fostering a comprehensive understanding of environmental problems. Students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines, providing students with mentorship and opportunities to participate in ongoing projects, fieldwork, and community initiatives.

Dartmouth’s Environmental Studies program also supports a strong emphasis on experiential learning, including internships, field trips, and collaborative projects with local and global organizations. This practical experience helps students apply theoretical concepts in real-world contexts, preparing them for careers in environmental policy, advocacy, research, and management. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests through specialized tracks and elective courses.

Graduates of the Environmental Studies program at Dartmouth are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in various sectors dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. With a commitment to fostering responsible environmental stewardship and innovative thinking, Dartmouth prepares students to become leaders and change-makers in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing our planet today.

The Environmental Studies program at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions between human societies and the natural environment. Designed for students interested in exploring critical environmental issues, the program combines insights from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to develop a nuanced understanding of ecological systems, sustainability, conservation, and environmental policy. Students engaging with this program are encouraged to examine current global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, resource management, and environmental justice from multiple perspectives. The curriculum includes coursework in environmental science, economics, politics, history, and ethics, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for careers in research, policy-making, advocacy, and sustainable development.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to participate in hands-on research projects, fieldwork, internships, and study abroad programs, gaining practical experience and real-world insights into environmental issues worldwide. The program emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication skills, enabling graduates to articulate complex environmental concepts clearly and convincingly. Faculty members are leading experts in their respective fields, offering mentorship and fostering an active learning environment that encourages inquiry, innovation, and leadership in addressing environmental challenges.

Dartmouth’s Environmental Studies program also promotes community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that effective solutions require input from diverse disciplines and stakeholders. Students are encouraged to participate in campus sustainability initiatives, research centers, and environmental advocacy groups, further integrating their academic learning with tangible community impact. Whether aiming to continue in graduate studies or enter the workforce directly, graduates of this program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation and sustainable development worldwide.

Program requirements for the Environmental Studies Program at Dartmouth College typically include the completion of a set of core courses, electives, and a capstone project or thesis. Students are expected to undertake foundational coursework in environmental science, policy, and ethics, which may encompass introductory classes in ecology, geology, and environmental policy. Additionally, students often choose from a variety of electives that delve into specialized topics such as sustainable development, climate change, conservation biology, environmental economics, and environmental justice.

To fulfill the major requirements, students may need to complete approximately 10-12 courses, including at least two core courses and several electives from approved lists. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, and students are usually advised to incorporate courses from other departments such as economics, government, or engineering to broaden their understanding of environmental issues.

The program often requires a senior capstone project or thesis, where students apply their knowledge to a real-world environmental problem, conduct research, and produce a substantial paper or presentation. Participation in seminars, laboratory work, or field research may also be recommended or required to gain practical experience.

Some programs may specify maintaining a minimum GPA within the major coursework, and students are generally encouraged to engage in internships, research projects, or study abroad programs related to environmental topics. Overall, the program aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and solutions through coursework, experiential learning, and independent research, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers or advanced study in environmental fields.

The Environmental Studies Program at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive range of funding options to support students throughout their academic journey. Financial assistance is available through various channels, including need-based financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and external funding sources. Dartmouth commits to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder qualified students from pursuing environmental studies, reflecting its dedication to accessibility and diversity within the student body. Need-based financial aid at Dartmouth is determined through the College's classical need analysis, which considers the student's and their family's financial circumstances. The college adopts a need-blind admission policy for domestic students, meaning that an applicant's financial situation does not influence the admission decision. Once admitted, students are evaluated for aid, and the college then meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, work-study opportunities, and loans, with an emphasis on minimizing debt obligations for students. For international students, Dartmouth provides a similar commitment to meet demonstrated need, although the processes for applying differ slightly and may involve additional documentation. Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, or dedication to environmental issues. These scholarships are competitive and awarded at the time of admission or during the subsequent years of study. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, including government grants, private foundations, and environmental organizations that support undergraduate research and projects related to environmental studies. Dartmouth also offers work-study positions within the College and in partnership with local communities, providing students with earning opportunities that complement their academic interests. The college’s Office of Financial Aid provides guidance and assistance to applicants for understanding the application process, preparing documentation, and maximizing available resources. Overall, the funding landscape for Environmental Studies students at Dartmouth College is designed to promote inclusivity, support academic excellence, and encourage active engagement with environmental issues through manageable financial commitments.

The Environmental Studies Program at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding environmental issues. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in environmental policy, conservation, research, and education by providing a robust curriculum that integrates the physical sciences, biology, social sciences, and humanities. Students have the opportunity to engage in coursework that covers topics such as ecology, environmental justice, sustainable development, climate change, policy analysis, and resource management. The program emphasizes experiential learning through fieldwork, research projects, internships, and study abroad opportunities, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. Dartmouth’s faculty includes experts in ecology, environmental policy, geology, economics, and more, offering students mentorship and guidance in their academic pursuits. The program also encourages collaboration across disciplines and fosters skills in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and effective communication. Graduates of the Environmental Studies Program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profits, and academia. The college’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its campus initiatives and partnerships, providing students with practical experiences on campus as well. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their concentration within the environmental field, combining coursework and projects that align with their interests and career goals. Overall, the Dartmouth Environmental Studies Program aims to develop environmentally literate individuals who are committed to solving complex environmental problems through innovative and sustainable solutions.