Study the most pressing issues of our time

Take your pick of careers with a major in environmental studies 

Everyone’s talking about the environment, from our rising oceans to the growing list of endangered animals. The versatile Eckerd College Environmental Studies program takes advantage of our stunning natural setting in Florida to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time. Led by passionate professors, you’ll look at how politics, economics, science, history, ethics and philosophy influence human behavior in the natural world.

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Outdoor classrooms

Report for class in the mangroves, freshwater marshes or palm hammock right on campus. Professors often make use of the many nearby keys, beaches, parks and wildlife areas as well.

Early research

Why wait for grad school to get research experience? Here you can help faculty study ospreys, local fishing attitudes, ecovillages or the economic valuation of local beaches.

Careers of all types

Our Environmental Studies majors go on to careers in teaching, natural resource management, urban design, natural resource law, environmental journalism and public health, as well as nature photography, filmmaking and art.

Environmental Studies major Kristina Krajcik '12

In Their Own Words

“The professors’ dedication to each student is amazing. As someone who had a lot to accomplish in four years, I felt as though I could count on my Environmental Studies professors and mentor to keep my goals at the forefront of my education. You’re never a number at Eckerd (except for what’s on your student I.D.) – you are always a human being who belongs to a name.”
– Kristina Krajcik ’12
Naturalist at YMCA of the East Bay

Beyond the Classroom

Work with our liberal arts professors on research topics ranging from estimating the economic value of the Sarasota Bay to using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to manage beach-nesting birds.

Recent internships have included:

You can also join Eckerd’s Planet Forward chapter to publish stories on sustainability issues related to climate change, energy, food, water, and more.

Our Environmental Studies Opportunity Database aids students in their search for internship, research, and job opportunities!

Study biodiversity in Suriname, shark biology in the Bahamas or safari through the East African Rift Valley.

Study Abroad Pics on Flickr

Join the Pinellas County Osprey Monitoring Project or lend a hand with the campus organic garden, butterfly garden or yellow bikes program.

Service Pics on Flickr
Quick Contact
727.864.8331
admissions@eckerd.edu

Popular classes

Green Design

Apply basic design principles to product, building, neighborhood and energy system design with a focus on minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainable Cities

This course uses St. Petersburg as an urbanization model, giving students the background they need to develop their own research projects related to urban sustainability.

Facilities

Open to students 24/7, our Geographic Information System (GIS) Computer Lab has 10 high-end Global Positioning System (GPS) units for students use, 28 high-speed computers with large monitors and a state-of-the-art projection system. The computers feature professional-grade GIS and Remote Sensing software.

Our Environmental Biology Lab is equipped with microscopes, water sampling equipment, field work equipment, live traps, scales and other resources for wildlife research.

The Earth Science Lab features rock samples and sediment sampling equipment.

Outcomes

Find Eckerd alumni on LinkedIn

What can I do with an environmental studies degree?

  • Environmental Art
  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Law
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Nature Filmmaking
  • Public Health
  • Scientific Journalism
  • Urban Planning

Where our environmental studies majors go to graduate school

Where our environmental studies majors go to work

Learn more about Eckerd and our environmental studies program