If you are interested in the earth’s environment and the role we humans play on this planet you might want to major in environmental science. As an environmental science major you will acquire a firm grasp of the basic science needed to describe and understand the behavior of natural systems. After several introductory courses in environmental science, biology, chemistry, geology and sometimes physics or climate change, our students have a solid background in the relevant natural sciences.
They then take several upper-level courses in the earth sciences, biology or physics to deepen their understanding of environmental issues. Courses here include ecology, environmental or organic chemistry, earth systems science, a course on soils, or several biology courses such as botany, conservation biology or a course on invasive species.
Student Research Opportunities
Many of our students are also involved in research. They have investigated the effects of clear-cutting on soil chemistry, determined the home ranges of urban hawk populations, investigated the ecotoxicology of urban amphibian and reptile populations, and studied seed dispersal by horses or the impact of prescribed wildfires on soils. The possibilities are numerous, and we highly recommend them to our students.
Environmental Science Within a Liberal Arts Education
Environmental science, however, does not occur in a vacuum, far removed from interests and actions of humans. Our students also take at least two courses in the social sciences or the humanities. The choices here include coursework on environmental policy, nature writing, economics or anthropology.
The ENVS Community
Majoring in environmental science is not just about classwork, however. We are a small, close-knit program and know our students well. During the warmer months we often have barbecues, the famous McCookouts, behind our building (McCook Hall), and field trips to places with varied landscapes to expand the learning opportunities.
The College introduced experiential certificates in 2021 as part of the new Trinity Plus Curriculum. With 30 experiential certificates now offered, students have the opportunity to pursue deeper, more hands-on studies in highly focused areas as they prepare for their next steps after Trinity
Trinity’s tree-lined campus invites people to interact with the natural environment, an activity that was formally acknowledged with the new designation of the College as an arboretum.