Our cohesive program provides students the opportunity to conduct research with faculty renowned in their fields, work with practitioners and communities to address local and global environmental concerns, participate in experiential learning here in the United States and abroad and be part of our dynamic SU community through small classes, on-campus organizations and activities, and co-curricular events. We seek to discover, assess, and propose innovative solutions that are ecologically sound and socially just. Advancing sustainability depends on an holistic approach to problem solving in collaboration with diverse peoples and through work across disciplines.
As an Environmental Studies student at Seattle University, you will: Tailor your major to your interests. Choose from one of four specializations: Urban Sustainability, Policy, Politics and Justice, Environmental Education and Communication or Ecological Systems - or design your own specialization. Explore the link between people and the environment - addressing issues facing our many ecosystems, including our homes, cities, farms, forests and oceans. Identify and solve sustainability challenges through an equity lens - gaining core competencies in the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. Learn the data analysis tools, analytical skills and communication techniques you will need to understand and solve environmental problems, work with diverse stakeholders and communicate ways to move our communities toward a more sustainable future. Integrate field and class work in the Puget Sound area and beyond. Take small classes with professors dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities to explore local and global environmental concerns that range from urban sustainability to landscape ecology, climate justice and more. Chart your career path through our Environmental Careers series, internship and independent studies opportunities and alumni network.
Students explore and critically analyze the nature and development of social and policy structures, with particular attention to issues of equity and justice. Through coursework and experiential learning, students develop skills to envision and implement equitable and sustainable alternatives to emerging environmental issues. Course topics range from local, national and international political and legal processes to the practice of policy analysis and the ethical implications of environmental justice. Internship opportunities abound in local, state and federal government agencies and in political, religious and environmental nonprofit organizations.
