Integrate knowledge. Cultivate action.
Environmental Studies forges connections between theory and practice, helps you analyze the interactions of human and natural systems, and trains you to solve some of today’s biggest challenges.
Hands-on coursework across the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities will enable you to roll up your sleeves through field experiences like service learning at the campus farm; wading into the wetlands to collect natural history data; recording oral communities’ social justice stories, and so much more.
Outside of classes you will find a world of empowering opportunities including internships, independent research, directed readings, field studies, study abroad, competitively funded summer research,and distinctive upper-level independent research like the St. Mary’s Project.
100%
of environmental studies majors complete an application requirement satisfied through real-world problem solving.
$80K
Median Pay for environmental specialists
Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation (#14)
Environmental Studies Major
Nestled on the banks of the St. Mary’s River, our campus is a living laboratory located at the intersection of farms, fields, forests, and a range of other unique natural and cultural systems. ENST’s engaged approach helps you take full advantage of both the research and recreational opportunities of our vibrant Chesapeake Bay environments.
Environmental Studies Minor
The Environmental Studies minor invites students to integrate their interests across disciplines through diverse, environmentally-focused classes.
Environmental Studies Dual Degree Program
Accelerate your career in environmental leadership through the 3+2 partnership between St. Mary’s College of Maryland and Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy. This dual degree program allows highly motivated students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years—integrating interdisciplinary graduate coursework with real-world professional experience. SMCM undergraduate students spend their junior year at Bard completing graduate-level classes, return to SMCM to finish their bachelor’s degree in their senior year, and then complete their fifth year at Bard through a full-time internship and capstone project. With advanced training and a network of sustainability leaders, graduates are equipped to drive meaningful change in environmental policy and climate science solutions.
If interested in a Junior year “A-Bard,” contact ENST Department Chair for more details and additional advising.
The Cross-Disciplinary Experience
Environmental studies is a cross-disciplinary program that integrates natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities to critically examine environmental challenges and develop informed, ethical and actionable solutions. Cross-disciplinary studies can increase intellectual community across disciplines, encourage cohesion in the choice of electives, and promote combinations of methods and materials that challenge the boundaries of knowledge.
They involve at least three academic disciplines and require 18 to 24 credit-hours, at least eight (8) of which must be at the upper-division level.
Cross-disciplinary studies include an integrative component such as a common course or requirement. At the discretion of the specific cross-disciplinary studies committee, students may complete the St. Mary’s Project in the study area, provided they secure the approval of the department in which they are majoring. Completion of the course work in a cross-disciplinary study area is noted as a specific minor on a student’s transcript.
Courses Offered
Environmental Studies Courses
- Environmental Studies Courses>
Honors College Promise
Expand your learning beyond the classroom with opportunities like studying abroad, internships, hands-on classes, or independent research. These experiences help you see the bigger picture.
At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, you’ll benefit from experienced professors, unlike at larger universities where teaching assistants may lead classes. You’re more likely to have the same professor for multiple courses, work with them on your St. Mary’s Project, or have them as your academic adviser.
When you need letters of recommendation for jobs or grad school, you’ll have professors who know you well and can write strong, detailed letters. This close relationship between faculty and students makes your experience at St. Mary’s unique compared to larger schools.
"I transferred to St. Mary's College when I realized I wanted to study environmental science: the campus has so many great resources for that with the wet lab, the river, the marsh."
- Victoria Lusk '21 Environmental Studies and Biology Double Major
Kate Farm
The Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm is where we grow good food and community through engaged, experiential, and service learning. Through academic classes, student clubs, community partnerships, workshops, film screenings, and interdisciplinary arts and humanities events, we research and realize the potential of regenerative agriculture to change our ecosystems, our selves, and our imaginations. Come Grow With Us!
After you Graduate
ENST alumni secure jobs, solve problems, and pursue meaningful and well-paying careers in a wide variety of environmentally related fields across the country and around the world.
LATEST NEWS
Connect with Your Professors
All the faculty here at St. Mary's College of Maryland want to help you explore your interests and set you up for success. We look forward to connecting with you and meeting you on campus.
