The complex environmental problems facing humanity, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and environmental injustice, require an interdisciplinary approach to understand and solve them. By majoring or minoring in Environmental Studies at HWS, you’ll learn the science behind pressing environmental issues, but you’ll also learn about these issues through a social science (e.g. economics, sociology, political science) and humanities (e.g. art, literature, film) lens. You’ll leave having developed your critical thinking and problem solving skills and prepared to make the future more sustainable and equitable for all.
“My favorite class has been Fundamentals of GIS, where I learned how to create simple and complex maps with varying data. This summer, I worked with the Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute; a 2-week program where high school students can earn an introductory college credit. In the future, I hope to work with urban communities to improve sustainability as well as conduct research in environmental ethics.”
Environmental Studies students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty member.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Sometimes, the most effective learning happens outside of the classroom, and when you are located in the Finger Lakes Region you have access to a wealth of resources. Expand your knowledge of climate change at the Finger Lakes Institute or study water quality aboard the William Scandling on Seneca Lake.
At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
At 35-miles long, Seneca Lake is an invaluable living laboratory for Environmental Studies students. A well-equipped, 65-foot, HWS-owned vessel facilitates hands-on research throughout the lower Great Lakes region. Two solar farms generating electricity to the Colleges provide insights into sustainability and a nearby 108-acre field preserve offers rich biodiversity, including 60 ponds.
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Explore the marine ecology of Australia, examine the impact of economics on the evolution of wildlife in Costa Rica or research the impact of environmental policy on the lives of Brazilian women.
Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Investigate our stunning diversity of local ecosystems. Explore emerging environmental challenges while seeking avenues to a more sustainable future.
Learn the science behind and plausible solutions to pressing issues such as population growth, ecosystems, exotic species, resource use and their impact on the planet.
This course will help introduce students to how waste is moved and help answer the question, “Where does our trash go?”
Explore the side effects of the rapid growth in Asia and what actions have been taken to combat them in locations such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.
"HWS is and always will be a home for me. Meeting friends, working closely with professors, and having the ability to study the history and environment of my new home through science is something I will value forever."
