The central mission of Carleton’s Environmental Studies Program is to educate the next generation of environmental scholars and professionals in the fundamental scientific, ecological, social, ethical, political, and economic forces that govern environmental issues and the long-term quality and viability of society.

What is the Environmental Studies Program?

The Environmental and Technology Studies program brings faculty and students together from a broad range of academic departments and backgrounds to address the scientific, economic, ethical, social, political, historical and aesthetic dimensions of the environment. This truly integrated, multidisciplinary commitment emphasizes not only critical thinking, but also hands-on laboratory and field research reaching across all divisions of the College. It values and facilitates opportunities for research projects, internships and other work experiences, and off-campus studies.

This interdisciplinary major emphasizes

• critical thinking and information literacy
• communication and collaborative work
• problem-oriented, service learning and civic engagement projects
• place-based learning
• internships and other work experiences
• off-campus studies programs

Who should consider the Environmental Studies major?

The Environmental Studies Program is suited for students whose interests span across academic disciplines and who are passionate about environmental issues. The major can prepare you for graduate school or a career in environmental science or public policy; prepare you to use your musical, artistic, or literary talents to focus public attention on environmental issues; prepare you to be an informed world citizen.

The flexible Environmental Studies framework helps give focus to your academic and personal pursuits and involves you in a network of people with similar interests.

What else goes on in the Environmental Studies Program?

The program brings lecturers, scholars, and environmental professionals to campus to enrich both the program and environmental dialogue on campus. Environmental Studies also maintains e-mail lists (ENTS Updates and Green Network) about relevant events and opportunities.

Environmental Studies maintains ties to the wider environmental community at Carleton in a number of ways. Environmental Studies students, faculty, and staff are members of the Environmental Advisory Committee. Other environmental opportunities on campus include becoming involved in the Green Network (a network of organizations and individuals interested in environmental advocacy) and student organizations such as MPIRG (Minnesota Public Interest Research Group) and SOPE (Student Organization for Protection of the Environment). Students may live in special residential houses like Green House and Farm House. See Environmental Organizations at Carleton for more information on these student groups.

The 880-acre Cowling Arboretum is also a significant local ecological resource for course work and personal exploration.

How can I stay in the loop?

Subscribe to the ENTS-Update list and receive updates via email about academically-oriented events, speakers, job opportunities, and internships related to ENTS.

Subscribe to the Greennetwork list and receive updates via email about environmental advocacy opportunities at Carleton and beyond.

Subscribe to the ENTS-alumni mailing list to keep in touch with the ENTS program and other ENTS alums.

If you have something you'd like added to this website such as a project, research, or useful link, contact the ENTS Educational Associate.