Environmental and Sustainability Studies

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When you major in environmental and sustainability studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you’ll study physical, biological and social sciences and develop competency in a specific discipline. Prepare to contribute solutions for current and future local and global challenges. Our interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes engagement in the community, internship opportunities, communication skills, collaboration, teamwork, leadership skills and critical thinking that will serve you well in the workplace or in the pursuit of advanced degrees.

The Nebraska Difference

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Collaborate to Solve Real Problems

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1-to-1 mentoring, professional development and training

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Go Beyond Classroom Learning

Two Pathways For Environmental and Sustainability Studies

When choosing a college, think about your other interests and the general requirements of the college. View the four-year plans or meet with an academic advisor to see which option is best for you.
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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. 

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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.

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.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Engage in courses and clubs that strengthen leadership and problem-solving skills.
  • Connect academics with research techniques through a senior thesis.
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Career Preparedness

  • Participate in an internship that connects classroom learning with real-world employment skills.
  • Utilize volunteer experiences to gain additional skill sets.
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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.

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Nicholas Gordon
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Sue Ellen Pegg
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College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
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