The study of the environment, ranging from science to policy, is a dynamic field. Washington University is a leader in research on global climate change and energy, sustainable food production, the environment and human health, and biodiversity conservation. Our Environmental Analysis major, and our minors include common courses from many disciplines, and along with the related majors offered in Arts & Sciences, capture the strengths of both the traditional academic departments and the interdisciplinary innovation necessary to fully explore the multiple issues and questions posed in the study of the environment.
The major in Environmental Analysis is a 49-credit, flexible program of study that focuses on developing critical skills and competencies on interdisciplinary environmental work. The major is ideal for students seeking an interdisciplinary major focused on the environment and sustainability to stand alone, or to complement a primary major in the natural or social sciences or humanities.
Students can choose from two environmentally focused minors. First, our Interdisciplinary Environmental Analysis Minor aims to prepare students to tackle real-world environmental challenges by providing more robust opportunities for interdisciplinary knowledge and skill development. Our Environmental Studies minor includes courses in anthropology, biology, ethics, Earth and planetary sciences, and political science.
Majors relating to Environmental Studies each have a different disciplinary focus, but also expose students to interdisciplinary problem-solving in environmental studies, taking advantage of faculty expertise in anthropology, biology, economics, earth and planetary sciences, political science, and engineering. In addition to these three majors, Anthropology majors can choose a track within the major focused on global health and the environment.
