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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Stewart C. Purkey
Bee Connell Mielke Professor of Education and Associate Professor of Education
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Timothy X. Troy (he/him)
J. Thomas and Julie E. Hurvis Professor of Theatre and Drama and Professor of Theatre Arts
Timothy X. Troy (playwright & stage director) is the Hurvis Professor of Theatre and Drama at Lawrence University. Regular teaching areas include acting, directing, script analysis, and playwrighting. Professor Troy’s…
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William Hixon
Gordon R. Clapp Chair of American Studies and Associate Professor of Government
Bill Hixon is the Gordon R. Clapp Professor of American Studies, Associate Professor of Government, and a member of the Environmental Studies faculty at Lawrence University. His teaching areas include…
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