The Program in Environmental Studies (ENV) based in the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) is educating a generation of Princeton students as leaders to address critical environmental challenges that they will face throughout their careers and in life. We provide a strong community for students with an interest in environmental topics and provide opportunities that include a wide array of courses, summer internships, and funding to support independent work in the junior and senior years. The ENV program is distinctive for the broad disciplinary backgrounds of participating students. Students wishing to demonstrate proficiency in environmental studies may pursue a Minor in Environmental Studies. The ENV Program is overseen by a faculty Executive Committee.
ENV courses explore emerging environmental themes and research in the sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. Taught by world-class faculty and researchers, our classes include topics in climate science, environmental policy, land-use and agriculture, environmental history, environmental communications, earth systems science, environmental justice, literature and the arts. Undergraduates may enroll in ENV courses starting in their first year. Current term environmental studies courses are listed on the HMEI website and new courses are announced each semester.
Students majoring in any academic discipline may pursue a Minor in Environmental Studies. The minor is designed for students seeking a broad-based introduction to environmental topics. To be eligible for the minor, students are required to complete two foundational courses and three elective courses, and investigate an environmental topic as part of their senior thesis or independent investigative work (with prior approval). Students who complete the requirements receive a Minor in Environmental Studies at graduation.
