Bryn Mawr College
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges established a Bi-College Environmental Studies Department and Major as of the 2018-2019 Academic year. The Bi-College Department has hired two additional faculty members in Environmental Science during academic year 2017-18.

The Bi-Co Environmental Studies Major combines the strengths of our two liberal arts campuses to create an interdisciplinary program that teaches students to synthesize diverse disciplinary knowledge and approaches, and to communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries as they engage with environmental issues. In addressing these issues, ENVS students will apply critical thinking and analytical skills within a holistic, systems framework that includes social justice as an essential component.

In addition to in-depth investigation of the theoretical and applied foundations of the study of the environment from all divisions, the ENVS major incorporates praxis community-based learning as well as core courses that examine the theoretical and empirical approaches that the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities bring to local and global environmental questions. In addition, ENVS majors pursue an individually selected area of environmental expertise, in order to gain a depth of knowledge, and to develop a sense of their own agency in addressing what most concerns them. To support these learning goals, the ENVS program will provide opportunities for independent and collaborative research, including co-curricular learning, via local, national and international internships and opportunities to study abroad.

The minor program brings together scholars and students from across the natural and social sciences and the humanities, allowing students and faculty to explore the interactions among earth systems, human societies, and local and global environments. A central goal for all students completing an Environmental Studies Minor is to become adept at approaching environmental issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to be able to work with others across disciplinary boundaries.

Students may complete the Environmental Studies Minor along with any major at Bryn Mawr, Haverford or Swarthmore College. Specific questions about completing the minor with your particular major should be directed to your major advisor and to the Environmental Studies director at your home campus.