Environmental Studies

Why choose environmental studies at North Central College?

You won’t just learn about going green—you’ll live green. This minor’s rich curriculum includes biology, business, history, literature and philosophy coursework and plenty of opportunities to participate in North Central’s own sustainability efforts. Whether you want to save the planet or save money by conserving resources, environmental studies will enhance virtually any major and prepare you for a career in a government agency, private corporation, nonprofit organization or academic institution.

You can also:

Conduct field research at some of our partner institutions, including Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, or Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS.
Gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, study abroad opportunities and participation in the College’s sustainability efforts.

Andrea Hehn earns 2012 Outstanding Student in Interdisciplinary Studies Award

Andrea Hehn was awarded the 2012 Outstanding Student in Interdisciplinary Studies Award during Honors Day May 15 at North Central College.

Heather Carlson ’91 delivers keynote address at Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research

Heather Carlson '91 delivered the keynote address at North Central College’s 15th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Princeton Review names North Central among North America's 322 Green Colleges

North Central College is among the most environmentally responsible colleges in North America, according to The Princeton Review.

more news

Internships

Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Naperville
Park Service, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks
The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

Careers

Biologist/ecologist
Urban and regional planner
Sustainability coordinator
Teacher/environmental educator
Environmental lawyer

Feature

Andrea Hehn

Environmental studies minor

During her paid summer internship, Andrea measured the water quality of aquatic systems at the Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL). She enjoyed supplementing the first-hand experience she gained during her North Central course work and field trips. “Because environmental issues are becoming more and more pressing, this is a valuable degree both professionally and personally,” she says. “It's not an established major yet, so students who want to declare it as a major design it themselves. They can focus on science, literature, history, policy, global studies—almost any discipline. I'm focusing on social issues.” What are Andrea’s plans for the future? The possibilities are endless. “Environmental studies can lead to a wide variety of careers,” Andrea says. “I just hope I end up working outdoors.”

Feature

Stephanie Chennell

Environmental Studies

When Stephanie Chennell came to North Central, she found that learning does not stop in the classroom.

“You can pursue your interests through campus organizations such as Green Scene,” Stephanie says. “In class, you learn all about the environment and what you can do to better the future, but Green Scene gives you the opportunity to put those thoughts into action.”

As a sophomore, Stephanie studied environmental issues at the University of Dundee in Scotland.

“Studying abroad opens your eyes in a way that can’t happen in a classroom and provides you an opportunity to get to know yourself on a completely different level,” Stephanie says.

Stephanie graduated from North Central in June 2011 and is working toward a master’s degree in environmental policy at Bard College in upstate New York.

Throughout her four years at North Central, Stephanie enjoyed the advantages of small classes and personal contact with professors and peers. “When graduation rolls around you know the connections you have made at North Central will last a lifetime,” she says.

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