What sets us apart? Discover the unique value of ENVS in preparing students to tackle real-world environmental challenges.
What sets us apart? Discover the unique value of ENVS in preparing students to tackle real-world environmental challenges.
The program brings together perspectives from the natural and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, combining a flexible curriculum, a strong sense of community, and hands-on opportunities for students to pursue the environmental questions that matter most to them.
Environmental challenges don’t fit neatly within a single discipline—and neither does ENVS. Students study the connections between environment and society, drawing on perspectives and methods from across the natural and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand the causes and consequences of environmental problems and explore potential solutions.
ENVS concentrators learn from distinguished faculty with deep expertise across a range of fields. Whether they choose the A.B. or the Sc.B. pathway, they will explore the connections between environment and society, gaining evidence-based insights into the causes and consequences of environmental problems while building scientific, professional, and liberal arts skills to help address them. Through coursework, research and internships, career workshops and fairs, ENVS seminars, hands-on learning, and community building, students are prepared to thrive in a range of research, policy, science, advocacy, and other professional careers after graduation.
The flexible ENSVS curriculum offers two degree options (AB or ScB) and draws from the sciences, social sciences and humanities, encouraging students to think across disciplines, ask bold questions, and pursue the issues they care most about.
Engaged scholarship is a hands-on approach to education where students learn by working directly with communities, agencies, and nonprofits to tackle real environmental challenges. It builds practical skills, fosters meaningful partnerships, and creates lasting impact at local, national, and global levels.
Examples include:
Through specific courses (ENVS 0110, ENVS 1421, ENVS 1555, ENVS 1557, and ENVS 1574), research opportunities, and internships, students contribute meaningfully to communities in Rhode Island and around the world. Additionally, those who wish to deepen this commitment may pursue the Engaged Scholarship Certificate offered through the Swearer Center.
Sofia Ghilzai Morris ’25 (center) presented her senior thesis at the IBES Research Poster Session in May 2025. Her research highlighted how Maine’s climate planning can more effectively include fishermen in shaping mitigation and adaptation strategies. She is pictured with fisherman Sarah Schumann (left) and Associate Teaching Professor Leslie Acton (right).
With guidance from faculty, peer advisors, and dedicated staff, every student is supported in building a course of study—and a vision for the future—that reflects their unique goals and strengths.
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Director of Undergraduate Studies | ENVS advising for prospective and current concentrators |
| Academic Program Manager | for logistical support |
| Concentration Advisor | to help map your academic path |
| Capstone/Thesis Advisor | for senior project guidance |
| Peer Advisors | with firsthand experience, advice, and mentorship |
| Weekly Student Bulletin | with curated job opportunities, events and more |
| Environmental Careers Workshop Series | for hands-on career guidance |
| ENVS Lunchtime Seminar Series | highlights scholars and activists in the field |
| Community-building Events | events, student clubs and committees, volunteer opportunities |
“ My favorite thing about the ENVS community was the consistent support and community programming which facilitated relationship building and learning beyond the classroom. ”
ENVS students can master skills that directly translate to their post-graduate endeavors, including:
Where can an ENVS degree take you? In addition to pursuing master’s and Ph.D. programs around the world, recent alumni work in:
How can we tackle the carbon challenge? Through a semester-long project, students in EEPS/ENVS 0360 partner with a variety of organizations to put carbon reduction strategies into action.
With more than 100 current concentrators, a vibrant Alumni & Friends network, and dedicated faculty, ENVS offers more than a degree—it connects you to a lifelong community of environmental thinkers, doers, and leaders.
Discover meaningful ways for environmentally focused Brunonians to build connections, support Brown students, and stay up to date on IBES’ latest developments.