Environmental Science & Policy

By the time they graduate, Environmental Science and Policy majors should be able to:

• Understand interconnected earth, ecological, and human/societal phenomena and processes that influence human-environment interactions
• Use systems thinking to understand how to plan and design social-ecological structures and policies
• Recognize and address intersecting concerns of social and environmental justice
• Integrate disciplinary knowledge and methods and identify underlying assumptions when approaching environmental problems
• Collect, analyze and interpret relevant data and information 
• Synthesize information and communicate effectively with diverse audiences and across differences
• Work collaboratively to translate knowledge into meaningful environmental action

The Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P) major is designed for students with interests in the environment and sustainability and a commitment to scientifically based problem solving and policy analysis. The objectives of the major are to prepare students to transcend disciplinary boundaries, combine analytical and communication skills with a well-rounded understanding of the environment and translate this knowledge into meaningful action and innovative solutions. Four integration courses form the core of the major. Each course brings together frameworks, proficiencies and knowledge from natural and social sciences in an explicitly integrative fashion to explore and analyze important environmental topics at local to global scales. Additional introductory courses provide breadth in the natural and social sciences, humanities and policy, and statistics, and introduce students to fundamental aspects of disciplines important to understanding human-environment interactions. Students gain depth of knowledge by choosing a coherent sequence of electives with a clear environmental focus. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in environmentally oriented internships, independent research or study away opportunities.

In their first semesters, students are encouraged to enroll in a foundational course (see the list in the requirements file below) and an appropriate core course (ENV 101), as well as statistics. The Schedule of Classes enables a search of all courses available by department and semester.  
Prospective majors should consult with an ES&P faculty adviser in choosing their courses and can be matched with an adviser by contacting Joanne Benkley.   

Major requirements and checklist for students and advisers.

ES&P major requirements (catalog copy)

ES&P major requirements (catalog copy)

Checklist for the ES&P Major 
Download a copy of this Google file to work on with your adviser/advisee. Be sure to rename the file and be mindful of access and permissions. 

The Minor in ES&P

The minor in ES&P is designed for students with an interest in environmental issues and sustainability and a commitment to scientifically based problem solving and policy analysis. The minor consists of six courses chosen with the guidance and approval of an ES&P minor adviser. Interested students are urged to meet with an ES&P adviser early in their academic planning.

Requirements for the Environmental Science and Policy minor (catalog copy)

Requirements for the Environmental Science and Policy minor (catalog copy)

The Minor in Marine Science & Policy

The Marine Science and Policy (MS&P) minor permits students to pursue interests in coastal and oceanic systems through an integrated sequence of courses in the natural and social sciences. An introduction to marine sciences is obtained through completion of the two basis courses. Students then choose among upper-level courses that focus on or complement scientific investigation of the oceans and the policy aspects of ocean conservation, exploitation and management. Students should consult with one of the co-directors as early as possible in the course selection process.

Requirements for the Marine Science and Policy minor (catalog copy)

Requirements for the Marine Science and Policy minor (catalog copy)

To learn more about courses currently offered, please see the Smith College Course Catalog.

Students with a strong academic background who wish to conduct independent and original work on an environmental topic are encouraged to pursue an honors project. Interested students should ideally contact potential honors advisers starting in February in the spring semester of their junior year. Please review the ES&P Honors Guidelines document and consult the director of honors for specific requirements and application procedures.

ES&P Honors Guidelines

ES&P Honors Guidelines

Students interested in exploring a topic, issue or research project independently may propose a Special Studies course with a faculty adviser. Special studies offer students the opportunity to delve into a topic that may not be covered in courses, pursue in greater depth a project begun in a class or in a summer internship, or undertake a new project. Students interested in pursuing special studies should discuss their ideas and course proposal with their faculty adviser in the semester prior to the special studies.

How  To Apply

Applications for special studies courses are due at the beginning of the semester in the first full week of classes, however students may submit their special studies application form in the semester prior to the special studies. Students complete the special studies application in consultation with the special studies adviser and submit the form to the ES&P program director.