Program Overview
Environmental Sciences and Studies
Brown’s Environmental Sciences & Studies (ENVS) concentration prepares students to address the complex challenges of our rapidly changing world.
Degree Type
The program offers two undergraduate degrees: an A.B. in Environmental Studies and a Sc.B. in Environmental Science. The two degrees vary primarily in the number of course requirements; the Sc.B. is a more in-depth treatment of a single field.
Program Description
Grounded in a multidisciplinary framework, the program equips students with the knowledge and tools to understand the intricate connections between human systems and the natural environment. Through challenging coursework, real-world research opportunities, and collaborative problem-solving, ENVS students graduate ready to drive meaningful solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Institute
The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) offers interdisciplinary exposure to the natural and social sciences, as well as public policy. Both degrees develop depth in a primary field by requiring students to select one of five tracks of study.
Concentration Requirements
- List of requirements
- Honors website
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Receive interdisciplinary education with access to distinguished faculty with deep expertise across a range of fields.
- Engage in experiential learning in and out of the classroom, helping to connect students’ passions and goals to powerful levers of change towards a more just and sustainable world.
Tracks
- Climate and Energy
- Conservation Science and Natural Systems
- Environmental Justice and Health
- Sustainable Development and Governance
Graduating Class
| Class Year | Total Students | Honors Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 4 |
Alumni Pathways
The majority of graduates with an Sc.B. or A.B. in Environmental Sciences and Studies are now active in environmental professions or are furthering their studies of environmental fields. Many have pursued graduate degrees in law, public policy, business administration, education, and public health, as well as doctoral degrees in fields ranging from economics to oceanography and pathology.
CIP Code
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) was developed by the U.S. Department of Education to categorize educational programs in the U.S. for a variety of reporting purposes. Each program at Brown is assigned a CIP code that best matches its academic curriculum. The CIP code for this program is 03.0103.