Aerial photo of waterways in Belize.

Education

Intellectual exploration for the real world.
Talia Isaacson picking blueberries in a field.
Summer practicum begins for first rural humanities student cohort
Eight students will develop and implement community projects with Ithaca-area partners over the summer.
Summer practicum begins for first rural humanities student cohort
Students hang drawings on a clothes line
Art intervenes in Minns Garden
In a celebration of the biodiversity found in Minns Garden, more than 70 students turned the garden into an ephemeral art gallery.
Art intervenes in Minns Garden

The E&S curriculum

The Environment & Sustainability (E&S) major provides students with a basis for understanding the causes and consequences of changing environments throughout the world. We seek to answer how do humans value, use, benefit from and protect the environment—and how do they do so sustainably?

Our students receive training in environmental natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, examining how these disciplines can be applied to develop policies and cultural practices that maintain biodiversity, sustain food production and develop renewable energy resources. The E&S major is available in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and the College of Arts & Sciences.

Faculty member teaches in front of a classroom of students.
Core curriculum

Our core curriculum relies upon a foundation in biology, physical and social science, humanities, economics and statistics, supplemented by coursework and experiences integrating these topics of study. The curriculum provides flexibility to pursue greater depth in specific disciplines encompassing environmental and sustainability issues, while taking advantage of Cornell’s diverse range of courses and opportunities.

Wind turbines in a field surrounded by cloudy skies.
Concentrations

In addition to core courses, students tailor their coursework by selecting one of six concentrations spanning a diverse range of disciplines.

Students pose for a group photo in Kenya with Prof. Bonter
Student experience

An E&S education goes beyond the classroom and gives students frequent opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings. Flexibility remains for students to study abroad, engage in research and pursue other opportunities offered by Cornell.

Want to learn more?

Prospective students are encouraged to explore the curriculum, research opportunities and career paths pursued by recent graduates.

Group of students and a faculty member explore a forest ecosystem as part of their class.

Ready to take the next step?

The E&S major can be found in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Prospective students may apply through either CALS or A&S admissions.

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