Program Overview
Environmental Studies at Lawrence explores the complex relationships among people, communities, and the natural world. Drawing on the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, students examine pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainability, and environmental justice. Through hands-on research, fieldwork, internships, off-campus study, community engagement, and close collaboration with faculty, students develop the knowledge and skills to analyze environmental problems and create meaningful solutions. Graduates are prepared for advanced study and careers in environmental policy, conservation, sustainability, education, advocacy, research, and related fields.
From geoscience and biology, to English and History, to government and economics, the way we live and where we live are in conversation in our environmental studies program. You’ll engage with values and concepts like community and justice as you ask and answer big questions about the environment. Using your innovation and creativity, delve into complex problems using skills from a wide range of subjects including science, art, and philosophy. From collective action to the policy process, shine your light on the solutions of tomorrow.
Program Highlights
Connect Ideas Across Disciplines
Explore environmental questions through the humanities, public policy, and the natural sciences.
Put Your Learning into Practice
Gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom through partnerships with local tribes, Milwaukee nonprofits, and other community organizations.
Shape a Path Around Your Interests
Tailor your studies around the issues that matter most to you, from climate change and environmental justice to sustainable agriculture and cities.
Spotlight
LAWRENTIAN SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Perspective
“The interdisciplinary approach totally informs what I do. I know the experience at Lawrence was definitely influential in all this. I was tired of seeing science on one side, arts on another side. That tends to happen in our curriculum in Ghana. Seeing the liberal arts at work at Lawrence, I knew it could be better here.”
Natalie Fordwor ’12, Founder at WonderspacED
Environmental Studies
Kumasi, Ghana
Types of Degrees
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, with options to focus on and blend humanistic, social science, policy, and natural science studies to investigate topics such as climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice across disciplines.
Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Get Started
Fill out the form below and a Lawrence University academic advisor will be in touch shortly!
Faculty
Engage deeply and collaboratively with professors who are experts in their field and committed to supporting your education.
Chairs
Andrew Knudsen
Professor of Geosciences
Interests: environmental mineralogy, low-temperature geochemistry
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Jason Brozek
Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs and Associate Professor of Government
Jason Brozek is Associate Professor of Government and Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs, and since joining the faculty in 2008, has taught courses on global politics, international law,…
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Jeffrey J. Clark (he, his)
Professor and Chair of Geosciences
My research explores human interactions with the physical environment, both how humans shape Earth's surface, and how natural processes have shaped human habitation. I've looked at sediment storage changes in…
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Jodi Sedlock (she/her)
Dennis and Charlot Nelson Singleton Professor of Biological Sciences
I have been exploring the secret lives of bats for many years, mostly across the diverse archipelago of the Philippines in Southeast Asia. In collaboration with Filipino scientists and conservation…
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Marcia Bjornerud
Walter Schober Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Geosciences
Marcia Bjornerud is a structural geologist whose research focuses on the physics of earthquakes and mountain building. She combines field-based studies of bedrock geology with quantitative models of rock mechanics.…
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Monica Rico (she/her)
Robert S. French Professor of American Studies and Professor of History
Monica Rico specializes in the history of early and nineteenth-century America. Her interests include transatlantic history, the American West, gender and environmental history. She is the author of Nature’s Noblemen:…
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Relena R. Ribbons (she/her/hers)
Associate Professor of Geosciences
Dr. Ribbons is a forest and soil ecologist, and biogeochemist in the Geosciences Department and Environmental Studies program. Her interests range span soil microbial ecology, geobiotic interactions, and ecosystem ecology. She…
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Sigma Colon (she/her)
Assistant Professor of Environmental and Ethnic Studies
Sigma Colón holds a joint appointment in Environmental Studies and Ethnic Studies. She has a PhD in American Studies from Yale University and an MA in History and BA in…
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