Environmental Studies


Environmental StudiesNew Major
Saint Michael's College offers both a major and minor in environmental studies. This newly enhanced program focuses on the environment from the perspective of the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities.

Learn about the major and minor requirements >>

New Opportunities
Outside the classroom, you will be able to participate in study abroad ecology courses, internships at such places as Shelburne Farms, the Intervale, the Echo Center, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and elsewhere. You will also be able to work on campus in such sustainability projects as the Saint Michael's organic community garden; GreenUp student environmental club; the faculty, staff and student activist Environmental Council, and through leadership projects of the renowned Saint Michael's Wilderness Program.
See more options >>

Courses
All students in the program will take introduction to environmental studies, environmental problems and the senior seminar; you will also select breadth courses in natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, including:

  • General Biology: Ecology and Evolution
  • General Chemistry
  • Meteorology
  • Human Geography
  • Foundations of Global Studies
  • Feature Writing on Nature Outdoors
  • Population Analysis
  • Politics of Food
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Philosophy of Science, Technology and Environment
  • Introduction to Environmental Humanities


Self-Designed Concentration
Each student will also design a four-course concentration on a topic of interest. Some examples include:

  • Water
  • American Environmental Attitudes
  • Describing Nature
  • Human Population and Environment
  • Food: Impacts on the Environment

For more information:
Contact Dr. Valerie Banschbach, program director, at vbanschbach@smcvt.edu or at 802.654.2633

Administrative Assistant:
Denise Brault
dbrault@smcvt.edu
802.654.2866

 

Learn about Saint Michael's Organic Garden, which produces several veggies, including cucumbers, bak choi,
swiss chard, kale, basil, dill, chives, blueberries, flowers and more.

Read about the work students of Environmental Studies have been doing with Susan Morse and the event they sponsored to bring her presentation with Live Wolves to campus.

Dr. Vandana Shiva's inaugural lecture for Environmental Studies major
The renowned activist, physicist, philosopher spoke October 19, 2010 on activism toward organic and sustainable agriculture in India and the world.
Watch video>>

Saint Michael's faculty declare unanimously that the college is a Fair Trade institution. Read more >>