Environmental and Sustainability Studies
The Nebraska Difference
Collaborate to Solve Real Problems
1-to-1 mentoring, professional development and training
Go Beyond Classroom Learning
Two Pathways For Environmental and Sustainability Studies
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Pathway provides students with two options. For the standard option, students can select a minor in any of the college disciplinary areas. For natural resources option, students gain a diverse understanding of water, soil and environmental sciences. In addition, there are three accelerated programs designed for students interested in pursuing post-undergraduate degrees in public health, law or community and regional planning.
College of Arts and Sciences
Pathway provides students with two options. For policy, advocacy and social justice option, students learn to lead for change. For biosphere and earth systems option, students gain a diverse scientific understanding of environmental issues and information. Career coaching ensures students have opportunities for high quality advanced degrees or related employment right after graduation.
Program Features
Connections to Your Future
You’ll connect with opportunities that allow you to network with new faces, engage with potential employers and connect with the local community.
Learn Hands-On
We emphasize experiential education, so your studies will be marked with internships, research opportunities, community service experiences and so much more.
Make a Difference
Do real work, with real people, on real problems. Join a community of students who are leading meaningful change and working hard to make a difference and create a better tomorrow.
Notable Courses
Environmental Studies Orientation (ENVR 101)
A comprehensive overview of the discipline of environmental studies. Investigate current and critical environmental issues.
Science, Systems, Environment, and Sustainability (ENVR 201)
Earth system and ecosystem science concepts for understanding current and future environmental challenges, considering scientific evidence and uncertainty and implementing sustainability concepts.
Individual and Cultural Perspectives on the Environment (ENVR 249)
The influence of culture on individual perspectives related to the concepts of sustainability and the relationship that humans have with the environment.
Environmental Engagement and the Community (ENVR 319)
Learn the processes that environmental agencies and organizations use to develop and implement projects and programs.
Psychology of Environmental Sustainability (ENVR 334)
Applications of psychological principles to understand human transactions with the environment and find behavior-based solutions to environmental problems.
Senior Thesis (ENVR 489 and 499)
Develop an individual research topic and engage in the full research process to create a Senior Thesis that is suitable for presentation.
Explore the 4-Year Plans
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Natural resource intern, JEO Consulting
- Pathways intern, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Environmental health waste section intern, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept
- Project manager assistant intern, LI-COR Biosciences
- Environmental education intern, Pottawatomie Conservation
Careers
- Integrated water management planner assistant, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
- Biological technician, United States Department of Agriculture-AMRU
- Assistant scientist, Olsson
Graduate Schools
- M.S. Environmental Science and Policy, Indiana University
- Juris Doctorate, University of Nebraska College of Law
- M.S. Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- M.S. Environmental Policy, University of Michigan
- Master's degree, Agronomy-Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Master's degree, Energy, Technology & Policy, Humbolt State University
Outside the Classroom
Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.
Work alongside a faculty member as a research assistant or design your own research project through the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program.
Explore a wide variety of local, national and international internships. Connect with our career coaches to identify opportunities and document the skills and experience you gain on the job.
Join other students in Greece to learn about sustainability or connect with our Global Experiences Office to find an affiliate program in almost any location you can imagine.
Get involved in one of the 540+ student organizations available at Nebraska. Meet students who share your interests, become a leader or serve the community.
Featured Faculty
Dave Gosselin, Professor
Dr. Gosselin is the co-director of Chancellor's Environment, Sustainability and Resilience Commission, which provides strategic recommendations and ongoing advice related to the environmental, social and economic well-being of the University and its stakeholders. His passions include developing educational programs in Earth systems science.
Academics & Experiential Learning
- Engage in courses and clubs that strengthen leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Connect academics with research techniques through a senior thesis.
Career Preparedness
- Participate in an internship that connects classroom learning with real-world employment skills.
- Utilize volunteer experiences to gain additional skill sets.
Community
- Work on real-world projects and initiatives with environmental organizations in ENVR 319: Environmental Engagement.
- Discover integrated learning opportunities, including partnerships with the Lincoln Public Schools Sustainability office.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Environmental and Sustainability Studies major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Nicholas Gordon
- Contact Title
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Phone
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- Contact Name
- Sue Ellen Pegg
- Contact Title
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
- Phone
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