Capstone courses in Environmental Studies Program
We offer four experiential capstone courses that integrate knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines into a cohesive, applied problem-solving framework. Each course emphasizes collaborative, project-based learning, often in partnership with a community organization.
By integrating perspectives across disciplines, students develop a holistic understanding of complex, real-world challenges and learn to apply foundational knowledge in practical settings. Capstone courses support students’ transition from individual learners to self-directed, collaborative problem solvers. Through this experience, students build skills in project management, group collaboration, client and partner communication, and centering community voices in their work.
Our capstone courses:
- ENST 4801: Sustainability Exchange (every fall and spring)
- ENST 4810: RESET: Renewable Energy and Decarbonizing the Grid (every fall)
- ENST 4820: International Climate Negotiation Seminar (every fall)
- ENST 5830: Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic (every fall and spring)
Some notes about requirements and enrollment:
- Our capstone courses are open to all students in all schools!
- Environmental Analysis Majors are required to complete one capstone experience as part of their major, which can be satisfied with one of these capstone courses or the senior thesis research course (ENST 4998).
- Due to the intensity of the capstone courses and limited availability of seats, students may only enroll in one capstone course a semester
- Seniors may concurrently enroll in senior thesis research (ENST 4998) and one capstone course.
RESET is an interdisciplinary course that explores the incredible potential of renewable energy, energy storage, and electrification to mitigate climate change. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics that are driving rapid deployment of renewables and present both opportunities and challenges to decarbonization in the years ahead. Through the lenses of business, policy, and engineering, students in RESET will learn through classroom lectures from faculty, industry professionals, and policy-makers; group discussions; field trips to solar arrays and a landfill gas power plant; and a final team project where students serve as consultants to a local government, proposing an on-site solar strategy, local policy changes to support decarbonization, and more. This course runs every fall semester. Learn more about RESET
This course constitutes the technical component of an interdisciplinary environmental law clinic based at the Law School. Engineering and Arts & Sciences students work in interdisciplinary teams with law students, handling environmental projects for public interest, environmental or community organizations or individuals.This course runs every fall semester. Learn more about the IEC.
The Sustainability Exchange engages interdisciplinary teams of students to tackle real-world energy, environmental, and sustainability problems through an experiential form of education. Students participate in projects with on- or off-campus clients developed with and guided by faculty advisors from across the University. Teams deliver to their clients an end-product that explores "wicked" problems requiring innovative methods and solutions. This course runs every fall and spring semester. Learn more about the Exchange.
Each year, a group of graduate and undergraduate Washington University students attends the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Each delegate closely follows a topic at the conference by attending side events, sitting in on negotiations, and speaking to diplomats and other students from around the world. This course runs every fall semester. Learn more about the COP Seminar
Registering and applying for capstone courses
Enrollment in our capstone courses is a two-step process:
Register for the course in Workday during the registration period.
Complete the capstone common application (below).
After registration closes, course rosters will be adjusted based on application review and student selection.
This common application serves as a single entry point for all four capstone courses. Undergraduate and graduate students from all majors and schools are encouraged to apply.
The application portal streamlines instructor review and helps place students into the capstone that best aligns with their interests and goals. You may apply to one or two courses; however, due to the intensive nature of capstones, students may enroll in only one capstone course per semester. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by the listed deadline, though late applications will continue to be accepted.
The capstone courses for SP26 are:
- ENST 4801: Sustainability Exchange
- ENST 5830: Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic
Instructions and important dates for the application process are below:
- Complete this application form by 5pm on Wednesday, November 5. The application will remain open after this date.
- Faculty will begin reviewing applications on November 6, 2025.
- Faculty will notify students of acceptance beginning November 10, 2025 and on a rolling basis afterwards.
If you encounter questions about this form, please email vanriper@wustl.edu and epardini@wustl.edu.
Application form: EnSt Common Application for Capstone Courses (FL25 App for SP26) – Fill out form
The capstone courses for FL26 are:
- ENST 4801: Sustainability Exchange
- ENST 4810: RESET: Renewable Energy and Decarbonizing the Grid
- ENST 4820: International Climate Negotiation Seminar
- ENST 5830: Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic
Instructions and important dates for the application process are below:
- This application will open for submissions on March 1, 2026.
- Complete this application form INSERT DATE AND TIME
- Faculty will begin reviewing applications on INSERT DATE
- Faculty will notify students of acceptance beginning INSERT DATE and on a rolling basis afterwards.
If you encounter questions about this form, please email vanriper@wustl.edu and catalano@wustl.edu.
Application form: EnSt Common Application for Capstone Courses (SP26 App for FL26 Courses) – Fill out form
Click here to view a preview version of the application questions for the capstone common application.