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Environmental Studies

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AT THE CORE OF IT ALL

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.

Environmental Studies News

Student SpotlightFinn Foley '25

majors: environmental studies, Economics 

“Before HWS, I had a strong interest in studying the environment and sustainability. My interest only expanded after taking “Topics in Environmental Studies-Energy.” During my sophomore year, I made one of my best decisions ever by studying abroad in Auckland, New Zealand where we learned about sustainable development with Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Whitney Mauer. For an Honors thesis with Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Tom Drennen, I will travel to Azerbaijan to attend international climate negotiations. I plan to use my education in Environmental Studies and Economics to work towards a just energy transition in my career ahead."

 

Honors
research

And Research

 

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:

  • Anna Baird Rider '22: Land Use Legacy Effects on Stream Salamanders in the Finger Lakes National Forest 
    Kristen Brubaker, Adviser 
  • Emily Frances Finnegan ’21: Food Insecurity and COVID-19: Pandemic Stories in Geneva
    Darrin Magee, Adviser
  • Sarah Kloos ’18: Same Same But Different: Investigating Claims to Authenticity of Vietnamese Cuisine in Cleveland, Ohio
    Robin Lewis, Adviser
 

Experiential EducationA Regional Laboratory

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.

Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers

 

FacilitiesOur Many Ecosystems

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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No Borders:Global Education

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.

Study Abroad Options

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Investigate our stunning diversity of local ecosystems. Explore emerging environmental challenges while seeking avenues to a more sustainable future.

ENV 200 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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.

ENV 204 THE GEOGRAPHY OF GARBAGE

This course will help introduce students to how waste is moved and help answer the question, “Where does our trash go?”

ENV 215 ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN EAST ASIA

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.

 

Environmental Studies Courses and Curriculum Environmental Studies Faculty Directory

Alum ImpactJack Polentes '21

master of science in environmental chemistry and public policy, georgetown university

"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."

 

Meet More Recent Grads

COMPANIES THAT EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES

  • Adopt a Stream
  • Bermuda National Trust
  • Blueprint Geneva 
  • Brown and Caldwell 
  • Canaccord Genuity
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
  • Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
  • College of Western Idaho 
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Deloitte Financial Advisory Services
  • Ginko Biworks 
  • JLB Partners 
  • Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection
  • New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services
  • NY Planning and Community Development 
  • NYS Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation
  • Peace Corps 
  • U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
  • Watershed Agricultural Council

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

  • North Carolina State University
  • Roger Williams University of Law
  • Texas A&M
  • Tufts University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Vermont
  • University of Wyoming 
  • Vermont Law School
  • Yale School of the Environment