The field of environmental studies and environmental sciences (ES) explores the complex relationship between humans and the environment. Understanding the causes and consequences of environmental problems requires a transdisciplinary approach that draws on the natural and social sciences, as well as the arts and humanities, to develop informed and creative solutions.
At Hollins, the ES program offers two degree options built on a shared core curriculum. The B.A. in Environmental Studies focuses on cultural and societal dimensions of human–environment interactions, while the B.S. in Environmental Sciences emphasizes scientific methods and technical approaches to environmental challenges. Both degrees provide a strong foundation in scientific, cultural, and historical perspectives, and all ES majors complete an internship or service project related to their area of interest—often in collaboration with organizations such as the School for Field Studies.
Tracks
Environmental Studies Major (B.A.)
Students in pursuit of their environmental studies degree receive a holistic understanding of local, national, and global environmental issues. Core courses ground students in scientific, cultural, historical, and societal perspectives.
Environmental Science Major (B.S.)
Environmental science majors focus on developing scientific and quantitative skills. Both the B.A. and B.S. require an internship or service project.
Environmental Studies Minor
This minor meets the core requirements of the major and is geared toward politics and policies.
Partnership with School for Field Studies
Hollins has a formal partnership with the School for Field Studies (SFS) which allows students to go abroad during the regular semester and take courses that will count towards their environmental studies or environmental science degrees. The SFS courses offer place-based study and research opportunities in Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Panama, Australia, and Chile to name a few.
Ecuador! A Bio-Cultural Journey on the Equator
In this January Short Term course, students immersed themselves in one of the most biologically and culturally rich countries on the planet. Over the course of 17 days in the Andean highlands and the Amazon jungle, participants worked at an ecological field station, engaged in home stays with Indigenous communities, volunteered with environmental organizations, and took part in several ongoing research projects related to biodiversity and beyond.
Shakirra Payne-Felder '25 wanted to immerse herself in both English and environmental studies. She was delighted to discover she could pursue a double major in those fields. “Hollins encourages you to combine things if you are really interested in them. I reached out to my advisor and she said, ‘This is an amazing combination, and I will support you through it 110%. Let’s make this happen.’”
Shakirra Payne-Felder'25
Payne-Felder blended majors in English and Environmental Studies to fuel her passion for teaching.
"I had the opportunity to count migratory birds, apply economic theories to natural resources, philosophize about the ethics surrounding environmental issues, and even design a georeferenced map using GIS software."
Macy Carman
M.P.A., Columbia University, now a development associate for the Southern Environmental Law Center
"I wanted to get a feel for working outside. This summer tick study has piqued my interest in doing more fieldwork in the future."
Shravani Chitineni
Class of ‘21 who was involved in a summer tick research project in the woods adjacent to the Hollins campus
After I looked into the environmental studies major here I was instantly hooked. The introductory course, Environmental Science, lays out a wide range of areas such as habitat loss, extinction, and climate change—urgent issues we are facing today. After this course my interest in the environment and climate change only intensified."After I looked into the environmental studies major here I was instantly hooked. The introductory course, Environmental Science, lays out a wide range of areas such as habitat loss, extinction, and climate change—urgent issues we are facing today. After this course my interest in the environment and climate change only intensified."
Mya Jackson
Class of '13