Why Study Environmental Studies?

Study environmental challenges through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning in San Antonio and beyond. Build the knowledge and experience to pursue careers in policy, industry, nonprofits, law, or graduate study.

Learn Beyond the Classroom

Study abroad with faculty-led programs in Costa Rica and China.

Turn Learning Into Action

Environmental studies internships are available in city and state government entities and at local volunteer organizations, public institutions, and private firms.

Discover, Research, Present

Take advantage of a wide range of faculty-led research opportunities and opportunities to present research at regional or national academic conferences.

It’s a good fit for you if you:

  • Are passionate about understanding and addressing environmental challenges at local, national, or global scales
  • Enjoy exploring the connections between the natural world, society, policy, and sustainability
  • Like approaching complex problems from multiple perspectives, including science, economics, and public policy
  • Want hands-on learning opportunities through research, internships, fieldwork, or community engagement
  • Are interested in careers related to conservation, sustainability, environmental policy, advocacy, or resource management

The Environmental Studies (B.A.)

Environmental Studies majors explore the relationship between human societies and the natural world through an interdisciplinary lens. Students will analyze environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions, graduating as informed problem-solvers ready to make an impact across sectors.

In-Demand Skills

You’ll gain skills in:

  • Interdisciplinary research and analysis
  • Environmental communication and advocacy
  • Project design and sustainability strategy

Curriculum:

You’ll complete at least 42 credit hours in the areas of environmental science and policy, with interdisciplinary electives and hands-on experiential learning opportunities.

View Environmental Studies B.A. requirements

The Environmental Studies Minor

21 Credit Hours  |  1.5 to 2 semesters of coursework

Explore Earth’s environment and how human beings interact with it. 

Beyond the natural sciences, Environmental Studies minors can examine environmental issues from perspectives of social policy, art, urban studies, and the humanities, fulfilling Pathways requirements while maintaining flexibility with their other academic interests.

Graduates leave Trinity with versatile knowledge stemming from the humanities, social analysis, and natural sciences, launching careers in academics, nonprofit public interest groups, private industry, and state and local policymaking.

Environmental Studies pairs well with:

  • Biology
  • Political Science
  • Urban Studies
  • Economics
  • Business Administration

Meet Your Faculty Mentors

Get to know the faculty in Environmental Studies who are here to inspire, challenge, and support you every step of the way.

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Program Director

Greg Hazleton, Ph.D.

Lecturer, Environmental Studies Program Director

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Kelly Grey Carlisle, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

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Erin Kramer, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

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Shannon Mariotti, Ph.D.

Professor of Political Science

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Troy Murphy, Ph.D.

Professor

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Ronni Gura Sadovsky, J.D./Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

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Ben Surpless, Ph.D.

Professor

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Elizabeth Ward, M.F.A.

Professor

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Heather Sullivan, Ph.D.

Professor

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David Ribble, Ph.D.

Dean: D. R. Semmes School of Science, Professor

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Jennifer P. Mathews, Ph.D.

Professor

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Kelly Lyons, Ph.D.

Professor

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Amy Foshee Holmes, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

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Laura Allen, Ph.D.

Professor

Recent Graduate Careers

Graduates leave Trinity with knowledge in humanities, social analysis, and natural sciences. They pursue careers in nonprofit service, private industry, policy making, law, or graduate studies. Many have launched careers in academics, nonprofits, private industry, and policy making.

Graduate Schools or Programs:

  • Earth and Environmental Studies
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Geology
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental science
  • Law School
  • Natural Sciences
  • Sociology
     

Notable Companies That Have Hired Trinity Graduates:

  • Greater Edwards Aquifer Authority
  • NOAA
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • VIA Metropolitan Transit

Career Areas:

  • Environmental Engineer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Sustainability Specialist
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Get Your Questions Answered

Students interested in the Environmental Studies major or minor should:

Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in Environmental Studies and review degree requirements in the course catalog.