Environmental Studies
Do you want to save the world? At Rollins, environmental studies majors are primed to do just that. By examining humanity’s greatest challenges—such as preserving natural resources, planning sustainable cities, protecting critical species—our students create real solutions.
With the support of expert faculty, you’ll explore environmental issues from all relevant lenses: ecological, economic, political, geographical, historical, and design-related. This comprehensive experience will not only give you the foundation you need to pursue a career, but will broaden your perspective and shape you into a global citizen.
Why Study Environmental Studies at Rollins
Prime Location
Florida is at the forefront of environmental issues. With a variety of ecosystems and globally significant initiatives right in Rollins’ backyard, you’ll have endless opportunities to see real-world examples and get hands-on experience.
On-the-Ground Learning
Our environmental studies program is known for its innovative field-study opportunities—many of which involve travel. From a cloud forest in Costa Rica to an urban farm in Portland, Oregon, new locations provide new perspectives.
Freedom to Explore
We intentionally designed this major with just 10 course requirements, so you can choose how to deepen your experience. Whatever your passion—art, politics, science—you will be empowered to combine it with environmental studies.
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“The sustainable development field study I did in Costa Rica led by Dr. Barry Allen taught me the importance of local people in conservation work. I interacted with farmers, environmentalists, business owners, and local officials and learned how the country was trying to develop their economy without having to destroy their natural resources. Rollins taught me that the way you approach conservation is as important as the outcome you seek.”
Rollins Environmental Studies Careers
Rollins environmental studies grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and innovative organizations.
Tyler Kartzinel ’07
Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology, Brown University
Courtney Banker ’16
Project Coordinator, City of Austin
Cameron Jaggard ’06
Officer, U.S. Oceans at The Pew Charitable Trusts)
Carli Davis ’15 ’17MBA
Sustainability & CSR Manager, RM Williams
Morgan Laner ’18
Zero Waste Program Coordinator, University of Texas at Austin
Sharon De Andrade ’16
Graduate Student in Urban Planning and Policy Design, Polytechnic University of Milan
Real World Experience
From internships to research opportunities, environmental studies majors hone their skills in the real world.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
Classes are small—usually fewer than 18 students—and focus on interactive experiences. Many provide context for field-study opportunities, and all offer a unique angle on the moral imperative of environmental citizenship.
ENV 353 National Parks and Protected Areas
Learn the history of the National Parks System in the U.S. and see how this American brainchild has influenced the world. This class culminates with an international field study to places like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru.
ENV 350 Food, Culture, and Environment
Through class discussions and field-based projects, explore big-picture questions related to the American diet, environmental sustainability, nutrition, crop diversity, and transparency of the American food system.
ENV 390 Culture and Landscape
Analyze American landscapes and the human cultures that created them, then travel to Portland, Oregon, to put your learning to work in the vanguard of sustainability.
ENV 189 Environmental Crisis
This course introduces you to the moral imperative of environmentalism as you weigh humanity's responsibility to nature, the technocratic drift of society, and conflicts between material and environmental values.
ENV 330 Women and the Environment
Learn how women like Everglades defender Marjory Stoneman Douglas and EPA administrator Carol Browner have shaped the American environmental movement.
ENV 413 Senior Seminar
This course centers on a research project based on real, ongoing issues, such as improving urban design, evaluating critical conservation lands, and analyzing campus sustainability initiatives.
A Day in the Life of a Rollins Environmental Studies Major
“My education at Rollins has given me a new worldview and has changed my self-perception. The challenging, supportive professors in the environmental studies department made me a more intellectually curious person and prepared me well for the next stage of my education.”
Beyond the Classroom
First-Year Faculty-Led Field Study Every August, a group of first-year students travel to Costa Rica before ever stepping foot on campus. This crash course in sustainability is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded students, spark an interest in global affairs, and see firsthand how a country’s focus on conservation can define its economy and culture.
Genius Reserve A property owned by the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation of Winter Park, this working restoration project is a living example of Old Florida where Rollins students can conduct research, intern, and perform fieldwork.
Sustainability Program This student-led initiative gives students an outlet to implement real change on campus. Among other projects, they run a bike-share program for students and faculty as well as a 900-square-foot working farm that provides organic produce for area restaurants.
Dive Into Environmental Studies at Rollins
Explore more about what it will be like to major in environmental studies at Rollins.
What You Will Learn
To fulfill its mission, the Department has designed a curriculum that prepares students to address the challenge of sustainability through an understanding of the ecological, political, economic, historical, ethical, and social dimensions of environmental issues.
Genius Preserve
Students are able to work with the Department to conduct research projects, class fieldwork, and may also receive land stewardship scholarships while interning on the Preserve.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into environmental studies at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.
March 01, 2024
Poole Publishes New Book on Florida’s Most Fascinating Historic Travelers
Environmental studies professor Leslie Poole has published Tracing Florida Journeys, a book on well-known explorers and travelers who came to Florida.
December 21, 2023
Solving the World’s Greatest Challenges
Rollins graduates earn more than a degree. They gain the knowledge and skills to address large-scale issues like climate change and human rights.
January 13, 2023
Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation Gives $750,000 Toward Freshwater Curricular & Research Initiative
The high-impact gift will allow generations of Tars to study Florida’s natural resources at the source.
Expert Faculty
Our environmental studies professors specialize in all aspects of sustainability—ecology, economics, politics, geography, history, and urban design—giving you a well-rounded menu of coursework and a more comprehensive view of environmentalism around the globe.
Department of Environmental Studies
Telephone: 407.646.2392
Fax: 407.628.6309
Barry Allen, PhD
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
National-park policy and sustainable development
Leslie Kemp Poole, PhD
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
History of the environmental movement, particularly the grassroots organizers who in Florida and across the country included many women
Lee Lines, PhD
Professor of Environmental Studies
Physical geography, food and sustainability, sustainable development, climate change impacts, and western North America
Emily Nodine, PhD
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Links between climate and the biosphere, aquatic and coastal ecosystems, wetland ecology and restoration, and scales of disturbance
Bruce Stephenson, PhD
Professor of Environmental Studies
Intersection of regional planning, environmental protection, and urbanism
Ann Francis
Sustainability Program/Environmental Studies Coordinator
Research interests: Promotes environmental and sustainable responsibility and awareness on campus