Environmental Studies Major

About our program

Study the ecology of natural ecosystems and the processes by which humans influence, exploit, evaluate, value, mitigate and restore the environment — and put yourself at the forefront of efforts to shape a sustainable future.

This interdisciplinary program combines perspectives from a wide range of fields, including anthropology, biology and ecology, chemistry and physics, economics, history, political science and sociology, as well as theology and ethics, to give you a well-rounded and highly informed point of view on environmental issues.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning, like internships at leading environmental organizations, research with expert faculty and service-learning projects that address real-world challenges. Whether you're testing water quality on Lake Michigan, engaging in conservation efforts or helping local communities develop sustainable practices, you'll gain invaluable experiences that prepare you for a meaningful career. And, you’ll be empowered to lead change and inspire others, ensuring a healthy planet for generations to come.

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in environmental studies from Marquette?

Most of our environmental studies majors go directly into the workforce. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.

  • CDK Global 
  • Horne 
  • Milk Specialties Global 
  • Milwaukee County Parks 
  • Milwaukee Riverkeeper 
  • Mostardi Platt 
  • Pyramid North America 
  • Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust 
  • TEKsystems

collage of a building and faculty member talking to student

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.

 

Professional experience

As an environmental studies major, you'll have lots of career options. Help decide the direction you'll take — and get valuable professional experience — with an internship. Internships can include working in a variety of professional settings, such as environmental and conservation nonprofit organizations, and educational, government and nonprofit scientific policy and advocacy organizations. Our internship program is here to help you find the best option for you.

Here are a few intern positions our students recently held: 

  • Intern at Milwaukee Public Health Laboratories 
  • Research intern at Strong Microbials 
  • Urban farmer at Victory Garden Initiative 
  • Junior adviser at Global Health Coalition 
  • Communications intern at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District  
  • Citizen science and research intern at the Urban Ecology Center 
  • Evaluating hands-on education at Discovery World

Explore our internships.

Undergraduate research

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to follow your interests here, like volunteering with a faculty member whose research area intrigues you or completing your own independent study.

Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities.

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program. 

Study abroad

Expand your education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for environmental studies students through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research.

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.