The Environmental Studies comprehensive exercise is traditionally a group research project. For many years, the ENTS faculty chose a broad comps theme (see the list of comps themes to the right), but in recent years, they have moved towards a more diverse approach, allowing for multiple themes. Groups of 2-3 students develop and carry out an interdisciplinary research project, presenting their findings in a research paper and at the annual Environmental Studies comps symposium. 

The comps project requires a substantial literature review that integrates different disciplinary literatures, and gathers and analyses data (quantitative or qualitative). Projects may include literary or historical analysis or the creative arts. Most comps projects speak to contemporary environmental problems. For a listing of all prior comps projects, see the past comps projects.