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  4. Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies explores the complex interactions between humans and nature. This exploration requires grounding in the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.

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  • Environmental Studies
    • About the Department
    • About the Major
    • For Non-majors and New Students
    • Courses
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Resources for Current Majors
    • News & Events

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  • Course Evaluations

Prof. Hewitt’s ENST-200: Introduction to Environmental Science course

About the ENST Major

Whether your interests are in understanding the science of climate change, developing policy to mitigate environmental degradation, or working toward just and equitable solutions, there is a place for you!
About the Major »

Major Exploration video still

Explore the Major: Video

Our professors and students talk about the field of Environmental Studies, including specifics about the Environmental Studies major, courses students can take, and research opportunities in the department. Watch Video »

Thesis writers 2022

Senior Honors Research

Honors theses have explored climate change mitigation in the arctic, governance and implementation of climate action plans in US cities, the relationship between climate education and youth activism, and more. Honors Program »

student in Bhutan

Study Away

Majors are encouraged to study away, with a diverse set of programs to extend coursework. Students can petition for credit toward the major for courses taken off campus.
Study Away »

solar energy facility

Non-Majors & New Students

New students or those exploring the field of Environmental Studies can start here to begin learning about the department and courses offered.
For Non-Majors and New Students »

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Sustainability at Amherst

Sustainability is a core principle guiding all of Amherst College’s operations, from the vehicles driven to the food served, much of which is grown on our own Book & Plow Farm. Get involved! Sustainability »

Environmental Studies Courses

Current Courses
ENST 226

Footprints on the Earth

Taught By Hannah A. Holleman
Description

Study the anthropogenic drivers of environmental change from an interdisciplinary and historical perspective to make sense of pressing socio-ecological issues and movements.

ENST 300

Green New Deal

Taught By Ashwin J. Ravikumar
Description

What is the Green New Deal, and how does it seem to transform environmental governance? In this course, we will explore key readings on the Green New Deal, and explore its connection to the original New Deal.

ENST 301

Hydrogeology

Taught By Anna M. Martini
Description

This course is an introduction to hydrology, geochemistry, and management for natural systems and human needs. Lectures will focus on understanding the hydrologic cycle, how water flows, and the many ways in which this water is threatened

Current Courses

The Latest

Prof. Temeles Elected 2021 AAAS Fellow

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows are a distinguished group of scientists, engineers and innovators who have been recognized for their achievements across disciplines, from research, teaching, and technology, to administration in academia, industry and government, to excellence in communicating and interpreting science to the public.

Learn more

The Jan E. Dizard Prize in Environmental Studies

The Jan E. Dizard Prize in Environmental Studies, established on the occasion of his retirement, honors Professor Dizard for his role in founding the department. It is awarded to members of the graduating class who, in the opinion of the Environmental Studies department, exemplify academic excellence in the field of environmental studies. See the student awardees.

Dizard Prize Winners

Meet our Faculty

Our faculty includes members of many departments. These scholars teach and conduct research in areas ranging from sustainable agriculture, to Nantucket whaling history, to conservation and development in Mexico. Meet the Entire Department.

Ethan Clotfelter

Ethan D. Clotfelter

Courses

  • Senior Departmental Honors

Full Profile
A photo of Rebecca Hewitt

Rebecca E. Hewitt

Courses

  • Ecosystem Ecology
  • Intro Environ Studies

Full Profile
A photo of Hannah Holleman

Hannah A. Holleman

Courses

  • Climate Justice Now
  • Intro Environ Studies

Full Profile
Rachel Levin photo

Rachel A. Levin

Courses

  • Conservation Biology
  • Intro Environ Studies

Full Profile
photo of Professor Lopez

Rick A. Lopez

Courses

  • Wine, History and the Environment

Full Profile
photo of Professor Martini

Anna M. Martini

Courses

  • Senior Departmental Honors
  • Surficial Earth Dynamics

Full Profile
Ted Melillo photo

Edward D. Melillo

Courses

  • China and the Developing World
  • Environ Issues 19th Cent

Full Profile
Jill Miller

Jill S. Miller

Courses

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Evolutionary Ecology Lab

Full Profile
photo of Professor Moore

Joseph G. Moore

Courses

  • Departmental Honors Course
  • Philosophy of the Mind

Full Profile
Ashwin Ravikumar

Ashwin J. Ravikumar

Courses

  • Climate Justice Now
  • Global Environ. Politics

Full Profile
Katherine Sims

Katharine R. E. Sims

Courses

  • Econometrics
  • Intro to Econ w/ Envir Appl

Full Profile

Courses

  • Senior Departmental Honors

Full Profile

Courses

  • Ecosystem Ecology
  • Intro Environ Studies

Full Profile

Courses

  • Climate Justice Now
  • Intro Environ Studies

Full Profile

Courses

  • Conservation Biology
  • Intro Environ Studies

Full Profile

Courses

  • Wine, History and the Environment

Full Profile

Courses

  • Senior Departmental Honors
  • Surficial Earth Dynamics

Full Profile

Courses

  • China and the Developing World
  • Environ Issues 19th Cent

Full Profile

Courses

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Evolutionary Ecology Lab

Full Profile

Courses

  • Departmental Honors Course
  • Philosophy of the Mind

Full Profile

Courses

  • Climate Justice Now
  • Global Environ. Politics

Full Profile

Courses

  • Econometrics
  • Intro to Econ w/ Envir Appl

Full Profile

Contact Information

Department of Environmental Studies

Main Contact: Diane Hutton

101B Beneski Building
11 Barrett Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
413-542-2233 dbhutton@amherst.edu

Chair: Ted Melillo

Beneski Museum of Natural History Room 1
Amherst, MA 01002
413-542-5415
emelillo@amherst.edu

Amherst College
220 South Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002

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