ENV Certificate Program Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I ENROLL IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE?

While we encourage students to enroll as early as their first year to make the most of this outstanding program, all first-year students, sophomores, and juniors, regardless of academic concentration, can declare an Environmental Studies Certificate. Princeton undergraduates wishing to pursue a Certificate in Environmental Studies should complete the ENV Certificate Enrollment Form.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE THE CERTIFICATE?

  • Complete 1 foundation course and 4 additional ENV courses taken on a fully graded basis (i.e., no P/D/F) and be graded as C or higher;
  • Incorporate an environmental topic into your senior thesis;
  • Participate in the ENV Senior Colloquium; and
  • Present your work at the annual HMEI Discovery Day

WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO CERTIFICATE TRACKS?

Students may pursue one of two tracks:

The Generalist Track for a broad introduction to environmental issues and environmental studies, or students can take specialized courses within this track that focus on the environmental humanities or social sciences. Students pursuing the Generalist Track are also required to take four ENV electives. Two of these electives must be chosen from different academic divisions, such as engineering, the humanities, the natural sciences, or the social sciences. Three of the four ENV electives must be at the 300-level or higher. Only one elective from the student’s major may count towards the Generalist Track requirements.

We also offer the more technical Environmental Sciences and Engineering Track based on science and engineering courses. The foundational course can be an upper-level environmentally focused course in your department. Students must complete two foundation courses including: one Environmental Science foundation course; and either an Environmental Humanities or Environmental Policy course, preferably during their sophomore or junior year. In addition, students must complete three elective courses. Two must be environmental science or engineering electives at the 300-level or above, one of which must be a laboratory course. Students also are required to take one policy or humanities elective at the 300-level or above.

WHAT IS THE ENV SENIOR COLLOQUIUM?

The ENV Senior Colloquium is a series of faculty-led meetings required for all seniors in the ENV Certificate program. The Colloquium is a collaborative, informal space for students to share pieces of their senior-thesis work with their peers to receive critical feedback and support from a range of perspectives.

WHAT IS HMEI DISCOVERY DAY?

Discovery Day is an annual poster show organized each May for all seniors in the ENV Certificate program and who have received funding from HMEI. Students exhibit their work for peers, faculty and university administrators with attendees.

HOW MANY FACULTY MEMBERS TEACH ENV COURSES?

Currently we have more than 120 members of the Princeton faculty, representing 30 academic disciplines, actively teaching of scientific, technical, policy, and human dimensions of environmental issues.

WHAT KIND OF COURSES ARE AVAILABLE?

We have over 90 courses offered that fulfil the Humanities Cognate, over 70 courses that fulfil the Social Science Cognate, over 120 courses offered that fulfil the Natural Sciences and the Engineering Cognate. A more complete list of acceptable courses is maintained by the Program Director and the Program Manager.

WHOM CAN I SPEAK WITH TO LEARN MORE?

If you’re interested in learning more, you can speak with Amber Lee, Undergraduate/Graduate Program Manager. She can be reached via email (amberlee@princeton.edu) or by phone (609-258-4998).