Landing Page | Environmental Studies

With the Anthracite mountains seen in the background, a student walks down a dirt road sweeping with a butterfly net.

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Our 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures you’ll know your professors and peers on a first-name basis and get the personalized attention you need to succeed.

We prioritize going beyond the classroom and gaining real-world experiences outside to jumpstart your career and life after college.

Want to learn more about Western’s environmental studies degree programs? Fill out the form to receive information about our program offerings, small class advantages, expert faculty, and why the Gunnison Valley is one of the best places in the world to earn an environmental degree.

From ecological restoration projects to community collaborations, Western offers the knowledge and skills you need to build your resume, launch your career, and make a positive impact.

By filling out this form, you’ll also connect with one of our friendly admissions counselors, who are ready to answer your questions and support you on your college journey, no matter where you are in the process.

The Western Environmental Studies Difference

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Make Connections

We offer unmatched industry connections, including the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Center for Public Lands, and more.

Wildflowers and mountain views at sunrise on top of Mt. Axtell.

Living Laboratory

Western’s campus is surrounded by more than two million acres of public land, providing an ideal environment for various environmental research activities.

A student sweeps using a bug net in a wet meadow restoration area.

Impactful Internships

Western helps place you in internship positions with leading employers, including the Bureau of Land Management, Equitable Solar Solutions, AmeriCorps, and more.

Explore Our Programs

A student sets up a bug net to collect data on insect populations in a wet meadow restoration area.

Environment & Sustainability Major

Gain the skills and mindset to tackle the impending 21st-century environmental challenges.

Go to Environment & Sustainability

A graduate student points where the cattle need to move as they walk by him on Verzuh Ranch. Mount Crested Butte and peak fall colors can be seen in the background.

Accelerated Degree Programs

Choose from various disciplines and earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years.

Go to Accelerated Degrees

Environment & Sustainability Degree Emphasis Options

If you choose to major in Environment & Sustainability, you will select an emphasis to concentrate your degree in. A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor.

Go Beyond the Classroom

Explore the unique hands-on learning experiences we offer our environmental studies students.

Coldharbour Institute

Students tackle sustainability challenges through research, conservation, and regenerative land management in a real-world setting.
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Verzuh Ranch

Offering hands-on academic experiences in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental sciences at Western.
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Light Up The World

Students design solar-powered lighting solutions, bringing sustainable energy to communities worldwide through hands-on learning.
Read More

Top 3 Reasons to Choose Western

Four students smile in front of Teocalli at sunrise making a W with their hands.

Our Unbeatable Location

With over 2 million acres of public land, an extensive trail system, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort just 35 minutes from campus, Western offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and hands-on learning.

Two students wearing pink cowboy hats ride a tandem townie bike down main street and bring joy to community members during the Homecoming parade.

Our Close-Knit Community

Western and Gunnison are known for their strong sense of community. The people here are genuinely welcoming and supportive, creating an environment where you can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging.

Professor Dave Erbe points his ski pole uphill in front of his backcountry skiing class. Mount Crested Butte is seen in the background.

Our Class Environment

At Western, it’s easy to build meaningful relationships with professors both inside and outside the classroom. With an average class size of 17, you’ll work closely with your professors and have your education personalized to you.

The best way to understand if Western is the right place for you is by visiting! We offer a variety of visit experiences designed to accommodate wherever you may be in the college decision-making process.

Schedule A Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental studies majors examine the structure and function of natural systems, how social, political, and economic activity impacts those systems, and experiment with resilient solutions to unsustainable human impacts.

Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on experience, environmental studies prepare students for meaningful careers fueled by passion and natural interests. Upon graduating, students in the program are effective interdisciplinary communicators with the skills and knowledge to lead environmental and sustainability efforts anywhere.

Environmental studies explore human-environment interactions, focusing on sustainable solutions and policy. Graduates are equipped to lead in environmental and sustainability fields. At Western, environmental studies live in the Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability.

Environmental science offers a strong, science-focused education, preparing students for careers in environmental science, hydrology, and management. At Western, environmental science students study in the Natural & Environmental Sciences Department.

With small classes where you can connect with your classmates and our dedicated faculty, a focus on hands-on learning, and our close-knit community on and off campus, we are one of the art schools in Colorado committed to providing you with more than just a degree. Set against the unbeatable backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Western provides a transformational experience that will prepare you for a rewarding career and life after college.

We're Here to Help!

Still have questions about Western and if it’s right for you? Connect with our friendly Admissions Team or schedule a visit!

Chase Watts

Director of Admissions
Alissa Bevan

Associate Director of Admissions
Charlotte Haston

Campus Visits Coordinator
Brice Koval

Admissions & Recruitment Counselor - STEM
Kelsey Kusnetzky

Enrollment Communications Strategist
Vadood Ziroki

Admissions & Recruitment Counselor

970.943.2248

ses@western.edu

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230

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Common Questions

Common Searches

Small Classes

Hands-On Learning

Make Connections

Living Laboratory

Impactful Internships

Environment & Sustainability Major

Accelerated Degree Programs

Climate Action Planning

Food Systems

Individualized Contract

Public Land Management

Water Studies

Coldharbour Institute

Verzuh Ranch

Light Up The World

Our Unbeatable Location

Our Close-Knit Community

Our Class Environment

Chase Watts

Alissa Bevan

Charlotte Haston

Brice Koval

Kelsey Kusnetzky

Vadood Ziroki

Dean

Undergraduate Administrative Assistant

Graduate Program Facilitator