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ENSP: Where Science & Policy Meet

Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) is a multi-disciplinary undergraduate major that draws courses and faculty from 3 Colleges and 8 academic departments and enrolls 350+ students who aspire to solve the world's greatest environmental challenges. In comparison to the engineering approach our sister major Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) takes to environmental problem-solving, Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) takes an approach akin to the liberal arts and sciences. Approximately half of ENSP students enroll in "science-oriented" concentrations; and half in "policy-oriented" concentrations.

ENSP students learn about the content and context of environmental problem-solving while completing a multi-disciplinary "core" and a structured, exploratory advising program. At approximately 40 credits (third semester), they choose one of 12 upper-level areas of concentration and move administratively to the College and academic department sponsoring the concentration. There, they are advised by a faculty member, develop analytical and problem-solving skills, and learn to apply specialized knowledge to real-world settings.

By combining a challenging multi-disciplinary program with practical experience, ENSP students gain an appreciation for the ways science, social systems, and policy interact, which prepares them to deal with complexity, change, and diverse points of view. ENSP students are thus prepared to take leadership roles in responding to the world's emerging environmental challenges. Graduates earn a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy: Concentration in (name of concentration).

Entry-level positions common among ENSP alumni include:
  • Environmental scientist - engineering and environmental services firms
  • Policy analyst - non-profit organizations
  • Research/technical assistant - federal agencies (science)
  • Program analyst - federal agencies (policy)
  • Sustainability coordinator - in businesses and universities
  • Environmental/outdoor educator
  • Peace Corps volunteer
  • For more detail, go HERE.
Post-graduate destinations of ENSP alumni include:
  • Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden) - Programme in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability
  • Columbia University - School of Journalism, School of Public Health
  • Cornell University
  • Duke University - Nicholas School of the Environment
  • Georgetown University - School of Law
  • Harvard University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • McGill University (Canada)
  • Marquette University - School of Law
  • Northwestern University
  • Rutgers University - School of Planning and Public Policy
  • SUNY - College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • University of California - Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, and Riverside campuses
  • University of Colorado - School of Journalism, School of Law
  • University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
  • University of Maryland - School of Law, School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School
  • University of Michigan - School of Natural Resources and Environment
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Texas - School of Law, School of Public Policy
  • University of Washington - College of the Environment
  • Vermont College of Law
  • Yale University - School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
  • For more detail, go HERE.