Academic Programs

Academic Programs

As the only Environmental and Sustainability Studies major program in South Carolina and one of only two in the Southeast, the College of Charleston's innovative interdisciplinary curriculum, dedicated faculty, and immersive experiences uniquely position students to become catalysts for positive change.

The program also offers a wide variety of opportunities for hands-on research with faculty. Projects our students have completed include:

investigating the effects of coastal erosion on the wildlife habitat of nearby barrier islands.
undertaking energy audits of the College’s entire campus.
studying the ecological benefits of small-scale refinements in mass-transit systems.
undertaking ethnographic research with the Transition Town movement

Students may choose to concentrate either on environmental sciences in our B.S. degree or on interactions between society and the environment in our B.A. degree.

Environmental & Sustainability Studies Majors & Minor

Students may choose to concentrate either on environmental sciences in our B.S. degree or on interactions between society and the environment in our B.A. degree. Both our B.S. and the B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies include an interdisciplinary core curriculum in natural sciences, economics, humanities, and social sciences.

B.S. in Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental and Sustainability Studies includes in-depth training in the natural sciences. You'll gain a strong foundation in environmental science, the environment and society, economics and research. In addition, you'll engage in experiential learning related to your studies including internships, research, field work, independent study and more.
The B.S. is designed to equip students for science-based careers or graduate study in areas including environmental science and environmental management.
View B.S. Program in the Catalog
B.A. in Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental and Sustainability Studies emphasizes training in the social sciences, humanities, and business and economics.
The B.A. is ideal for students who wish to prepare for socially-oriented sustainability careers or advanced study in areas including environmental policy and sustainability management.
View B.A. Program in the Catalog
Minor in Environmental Studies

The Environmental and Sustainability Studies Minor can complement any major at the College.
This interdisciplinary minor trains you to think broadly about environmental and sustainability issues, considering issues from scientific, social, and economic perspectives.
By grappling with complex problems in an interdisciplinary framework, you'll learn to engage with a diversity of viewpoints in order to understand the underlying connections and identify feasible solutions. Adding the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Minor can expand your worldview – and your career opportunities.
View the ENSS Minor in the Catalog
Master's of Environmental and Sustainability Studies

The College also offers a Master's of Environmental and Sustainability Studies through the Graduate School.
View the EVSS Program

Oysters, Aquaculture & Experiences

Both the Bachelors of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees require substantial experiential learning related to Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Through hands-on learning, you'll gain practical career skills and possibly even a tasty oyster appetizer.