In the past 150 years, our society has developed new technologies leading to longer life spans, increased communication capacities, and increased yields in agriculture. Unfortunately, the effects of these advances continue to be countered by the depletion of natural resources and changes in nutrient cycling, biological diversity, atmospheric composition, and climate.
The goal of the environmental studies and sustainability curriculum is to prepare students for a career in a diverse spectrum of environmental employment positions ranging from research scientist to writer to educator to political lobbyist, while developing a conscientious concern for the world in which we live.
The major is strongly interdisciplinary, requiring a core of science courses but encouraging exploration of the arts, political science, economics, education, writing, and other fields.
Major: Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Minor: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Related Major and Minor: Biology
Academic Catalogue
Choose between 3 different degree programs: bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, or bachelor of science in nursing.
* Offered Spring 2021
Find out more about our Pre-Professional programs here.
Three chief factors make this major a standout: an award-winning arboretum, one-on-one research with faculty, and a course of study that breaks free of conventional departmental boundaries. Half of the campus footprint, the Wesleyan Arboretum is a living laboratory for outdoor education and ecological research, but it’s also a place for recreation, creative inspiration, and personal renewal. Student researchers work closely with the faculty on environmentally relevant projects. Recent projects investigated lead (Pb) concentrations in turtle bones, water samples from central Georgia, and the role of the arboretum in storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Learning is more than just a classroom phenomenon at Wesleyan. Students in the environmental studies major and environmental science minor gain research and environmental education experience through the college internship program, independent research conducted with faculty, or study abroad opportunities. The 104-acre Wesleyan College Arboretum offers numerous volunteer and research opportunities, especially in the areas of ecological restoration and outdoor education.
Undergraduate research is the best way to get an early start on figuring out your interests, and there are many opportunities at Wesleyan. Taking classes is one thing but actually applying what you’ve learned on a practical platform gives you so much more insight on the subject matter, as well as how to do research. It also helps you figure out what you like and what you don’t like. And having that research experience on your resume is always a boost.
Len Foote Hike Inn in the north Georgia mountains; Bird Banding Lab at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
University of Maryland, University of Freiburg (Germany), and Northwestern University.
Helps governments, companies, and the public understand the human impact on the natural world.
Studies the characteristics and habitats of animals to reduce negative interactions between wildlife and human beings.
Performs analysis on environmental changes including global warming, biodiversity, renewable energy, pollution, environmental policy, health issues, and sustainability.
Environmental attorneys uphold regulations and advocate for new policies related to clean water and air, global warming, land use, and other environmental themes.
Persuades politicians to pass laws, policies, and regulations for a cleaner environment. Duties include representing clients at media events, preparing press releases and informational literature, and testifying at public court hearings.
Environmental planners are responsible for developing plans for land use in urban and rural areas while balancing social, economic, and environmental issues.
No one knows Wesleyan better than our alumnae who have experienced learning, living, and thriving at Wesleyan. Alumnae reflect on their experiences on campus and the impact on their lives through lifelong friendships to skills acquired on campus impacting their careers.
Alumnae quotes
A liberal arts education prepares you for your first job and your last. Wesleyan has a four-year plan to prepare students to make the connection between a liberal arts education and success in the workplace.
Career services
Wesleyan offers 23 majors and 30 minors, as well as eight pre-professional programs. Students also have the opportunity to self-design their own major, combining two or more interdisciplinary major programs.
Major listingsAverage percentage of international student population
Number of majors we offer including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees
Of full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their fields
Wesleyan College is privileged to steward many arts and cultural events and share them with the community. Most are free and open to the public. Wesleyan art galleries are open M-F 1:30 – 5:00 PM and on Wesleyan Market Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
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Tour our beautiful 200-acre campus featuring Georgian architecture, lush green spaces, recreational facilities, residence halls, and worship center.
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Wesleyan College is home to five NCAA Division III sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball. In addition, we offer an award-winning Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Equestrian program.
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