The primary mission of the Department of Environmental Studies is to prepare students to enter the working world as entry-level environmental professionals in the broad practice areas of environmental science as well as environmental policy and management. The secondary mission is to enhance the environmental awareness of individuals in the University and in the community through education, service and outreach.

Through the curriculum and its activities, the department seeks to instill in individuals the ethic of human stewardship toward the natural environment, one that includes a respect for all life and an obligation to future generations.

Majors have the option of obtaining either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies or a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. Each of these interdisciplinary degree programs has a distinct emphasis linked to specific areas of professional practice. A minor program is also available for nonmajors who wish to add an interdisciplinary focus to their major.

The capstone experience for students seeking the BA degree consists of the completion of 3 internship credit hours plus a written report or 3 research credit hours culminating in a senior thesis. Students seeking the BS degree must complete 3 research credit hours and a senior thesis.