Environmental Studies
Are you someone who cares deeply about the world around you and wants to make a positive impact on our environment? Or are you someone who wants to go beyond a desk and spend your time in nature? If so, The Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability will blend your passion for the environment with a high-quality education. It’s not just about hitting the books – it’s about truly making a difference in the world and a whole lot of hands-on experience outside!
“What I like about Western’s Clark School of Environment and Sustainability is the freedom to choose your classes and what you get from them. I had many great opportunities to work with so many people and give back to the community.”
– Max Sawyer ’21, Owner of Sawyer Environmental Services
Want to learn more?
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Industry Connections
Western’s Environmental Studies program offers unmatched industry connections like: US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Center or Public Lands, Center for Cold-Climate Food Security
Living Laboratory
Western is surrounded by 2+ millions Acres of public land, we like to call it our living laboratory!
Top Employers for ENVS
Top internship placements and employers of the Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability include the Bureau of Land Management, Equitable Solar Solutions, AmeriCorps, US Forest Service, and Crested Butte Land Trust
What is environmental studies?
While enrolled in an environmental and sustainability major, you will study the structure and function of natural systems; examine 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 a 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.
One of the most popular emphases in the program is Climate Action Planning. This emphasis gives you the tools to assess climate risks and plan for a sustainable future. You’ll learn to prioritize actions in areas like energy, transportation, land use, and waste, plus understand key policies and measure vulnerabilities.
Top Three Reasons to Choose Western Colorado University
Our unbeatable location
Western’s location in the beautiful Gunnison Valley is like no other. With access to 2 million acres of public land, 700+ miles of single-track trails, and Crested Butte Ski Resort within 30 minutes of campus, Western is the perfect place to find adventure and education.
Our close-knit community
From students to ranchers to service workers and even the ski bums, the eclectic community is what makes this Valley so close. With community-wide events like Cattleman’s Days and the Night of Lights, it’s easy to feel at home here at Western.
Our class environment
Western’s close connections allow you to create real relationships with professors inside and outside the classroom. The average class size of 17 means you get to work closely with professors to define your own personalized educational experience.
What makes environmental studies different at Western?
Climate-changing fossil fuels, food and water insecurity, deforestation, and environmental pollution threaten our future. At Western, we empower our students to examine the diverse ways humans interact with our natural world so that we can better connect with our planet and each other. Our scenic backyard in the Rocky Mountains, consisting of over 2 million acres (about twice the area of Rhode Island) of public land, is the perfect living laboratory to put our learning into practice.
What is the difference between environmental science and environmental studies?
Environmental studies explore human-environment interactions, focusing on sustainable solutions and policy. Students can specialize in areas like Climate Action, Food Systems, or Water Studies. 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. It includes an emphasis on biology, chemistry, and environmental management. At Western, environmental science live in the Natural & Environmental Sciences Department.
Pilot a sustainable future
As we enter an era of climate crisis, it is more crucial than ever to acquire the knowledge needed to protect and advocate for the only planet we have. Here’s how we do it at Western:
- All undergraduates in the Clark School major in environment and sustainability and then select one of our specialized emphasis options: climate action planning, food systems, public land management, or water studies. Students also have the option to design their own curriculum under individualized contract.
- Advance your degree further through one of our accelerated degree programs, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in ecology or environmental management in just five years.
We're here to help!
Still have questions about The Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability and if it’s right for you? Connect with our friendly Admissions team or schedule a visit!