Environmental Studies / Environmental Science
The causes and consequences of environmental problems, and the skills to solve them, are complex. The field of environmental studies/environmental science explores the relationship between humans and the environment. It draws on the natural and social sciences as well as the arts and humanities.
Fall Term 2017 saw four existing laboratories refreshed, two faculty office suites constructed, and the lobby area transformed as part of the Dana Science Building’s $6.5 million renovation. Five new labs and support spaces were operational by Spring Term 2018.
Dana Science Building Renovation (PDF)
Tracks
Environmental Studies Major (B.A.)
Students in pursuit of their environmental studies degree receive a holistic understanding of local, national, and global environmental issues. Core courses ground students in scientific, cultural, historical, and societal perspectives.
Environmental Science Major (B.S.)
Environmental science majors focus on developing scientific and quantitative skills. Both the B.A. and B.S. require an internship or service project.
Environmental Studies Minor
This minor meets the core requirements of the major and is geared toward politics and policies.
Hollins, Virginia Tech Partnership
Hollins University and the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech are offering undergraduate students at Hollins summer research experience in Virginia Tech labs. More >
Hollins University Caribbean Ecology
Ocean acidification, warming sea temperatures, and changes in patterns of disturbance have all had a significant impact on organisms in marine environments. To better understand these marine environments and to collect information on change, Hollins University students and faculty have monitored population and abundance patterns of marine biodiversity (fish, turtles, invertebrates, sea grass, and coral) in the waters surrounding St. John, USVI, every January since 2011.
Here’s what they are doing >
What You'll Learn
Interdisciplinary Learning
I had the opportunity to count migratory birds, apply economic theories to natural resources, philosophize about the ethics surrounding environmental issues, and even design a georeferenced map using GIS software.
Macy Carman ’13, M.P.A., Columbia University, now a development associate for the Southern Environmental Law CenterBlending Lab Activities with On-Site Research
I wanted to get a feel for working outside. This [summer tick study] has piqued my interest in doing more fieldwork in the future.
Shravani Chitineni ‘21 who was involved in a summer tick research project in the woods adjacent to the Hollins campusTackling Climate Change
After I looked into the environmental studies major here I was instantly hooked. The introductory course, Environmental Science, lays out a wide range of areas such as habitat loss, extinction, and climate change—urgent issues we are facing today. After this course my interest in the environment and climate change only intensified.
Mya Jackson '13
