Best place to study environmental science R1 or SLAC? And list all of best programs?

Applying to College
1

My partner and I both have graduate degrees but in engineering. The kid wants to do environmental science and we’re a little bit at a loss. What is the best path for then? I would guess a strong stem program at a a R1 University but maybe I’m wrong? With a slac offer them a better learning experience?

I’m also trying to provide them with a list of the top say 50 environmental science programs in the country. The problem is the ones on the internet are all wildly differing so I’m curious if there is one that is considered well researched and correct.

2

I don’t think there’s one definitive rankings list that I’d trust over all others. I can sing the praises of LACs, though.

D23 is an environmental science major (technically environmental studies, but on the science track), and she looked almost exclusively at LACs. I think that with this major, a student should go to whatever type of school seems the best fit, because it’s possible to find good programs at a wide range of schools. I can tell you that some of the advantages of LACs include being able to do more field work in classes (especially intro classes, which are more likely to be larger lectures at R1s), participating as an undergrad in faculty research, getting stronger mentoring earlier in college, and possibly learning about internships that mentor professors might know about through personal connections. Strong LACs also tend to have above-average placement records for students who go on to grad school (partly because they disproportionately attract types of students who are likely to choose grad school). I’m sure an R1 might have other advantages, but I’m way more familiar with the LAC sector, and it’s worked out great for my daughter.

You didn’t mention where you’re from or anything about regional preferences, stats, etc., but I can tell you that some of the schools she considered with exceptionally strong enviro science programs included: Occidental, the Claremont Colleges (there’s an inter-college program, so you get the LAC experience with the resources of several schools), Reed, Skidmore, Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Middlebury, Williams, Conn College, William and Mary, Dickinson, Mount Holyoke (for female-identified students – you didn’t mention your kid’s gender), Wesleyan University, Macalester, and Carleton. She ended up at Bates and has had a great experience. This summer, she’s got an internship in habitat/wildlife management at a wetlands conservation area near where we live (Denver area). the internship involves some field research, which she might be able to spin off into a senior thesis.

The schools I mentioned are far from the only excellent environmental sciences programs at LACs – just the ones I’m most familiar with. It was a tough choice in the end!

When you’re looking at schools, consider the interdisciplinary offerings in the major, opportunities for research and field work, and any information about the kinds of internships students have been able to find. Don’t rule out environmental studies (as opposed to sciences) majors, because those will often have separate tracks for social sciences/humanities/sciences concentrations. The nice thing about those majors is that you get a taste of the other concentrations along with the one you choose. On the other hand, other schools have majors that are more clearly defined as enviro sciences (Occidental) or two separate majors for sciences and studies (Skidmore).

Hope this helps! If you can provide more information about what your kid is aiming for and a little more about their interests and record thus far, we might be able to offer more information and suggestions.

8 Likes
3

I think you need to find the right school, environment for your student - and environmental science can run the gamut of different areas of interest.

I’d figure out - are they interested in water or weather or do they want to be in a large school with sports or a small school.

If you looked at - say - U of Oklahoma - the environmental science degree is in the college of engineering - and students can choose one of three tracks.

Clemson has a focus on Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Sciences or Turfgrass. If you choose the plant and Environmental Sciences, you can focus in one of these areas: agricultural biotechnology, agronomy, or soil and water science.

Colorado State has a focus on EcoSystem Sustainability but also Watershed Science as part of their program.

Pick a mid size like College of Charleston, they have an entire school and yet their major focuses on geosciences.

If you picked an LAC - like Macalester or Haverford - they have less offerings - Studies, not Science. Colgate too but they have Environmental Geology. Wesleyan says this about their major: The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department (E&ES) at Wesleyan University covers many aspects of the natural world, on Earth and on other planets. Course topics range from active volcanoes to climate change to eco-conservation. The E&ES major is designed to prepare students for graduate school, as well as provide a basis for a variety of careers in the private or public sectors. Courses in geology, environmental science/environmental chemistry, environmental science/ecology, and planetary geology lead to different areas of specialization and career options

I think the environments are vastly different and I don’t think it matters if you are at an R1 or any other large university.

This is a case by case - and one thing I’d note is grad school may be likely or salaries low no matter where you go:

At UNC, the average salary for a 24 grad as reported is $55.3K. At Purdue, $54K last year.

Lafayette is one LAC i found the major - don’t know how many were in but 100% show going to grad school.

To me, there will be more opportunity for academic diversity at a university (forget R1) than an LAC -but ultimately these are different choices in lifestyle - and I would thin that matters most.

My son went to a large R1 and did a minor in Geography - which hosts the Environmental Science Department and offers focuses in Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation.

While my daughter didn’t study this and didn’t go to an R1, I don’t think she’d have been deprived of any opportunities my son could have had.

And an LAC - I do think in many cases resources or offerings might be less but at the same time if it’s a small major, there may be more focus on the student.

I would find the right school and not worry about lists - and I would find a school that will cover your student’s specific academic interests because different schools focus on different sub areas.

Best of luck.

1 Like
4

With respect to LACs, look into the programs and offerings of Colby, Middlebury, Hamilton and Bowdoin.

1 Like
5

Like @Shelby_Balik’s student, our D23 also selected a SLAC over an R1 for ES. I echo everything she states in terms of opportunities.

For example, our daughter, who turned down one of the top publics in CA, found after a year that she wanted to double major in ES and Biology - no problem! The departments are closely connected! She’s had opportunities that many of her friends in the same field of study have not, especially the ones from big state schools where they lament having to compete against each other for top research spots. She has close relationships with multiple professors (some who have invited HER to join their research) and is currently on a paid NSF REU at an OOS R1 - no doubt the recommendation from her professors helped her secure such a coveted (and disappearing) spot.

Which brings me to the caveat of course, ES is in peril, as are all other science programs across the country. If she is serious about a career in ES, please have her investigate and then think long and hard about what is being funded still and where it may intersect with her interests, and I mean this not just for jobs but graduate programs and research as well. It’s not the best time to be in the field, fwiw.

5 Likes
6

Although – if one were to do ES, a LAC might be the place, because they will be shielded (for now) from major funding cuts or changes to tax-exempt status. However, what you said about grants disappearing, and later funded opportunities drying up – that’s all true. But honestly, what field isn’t at risk in one way or another (that’s not meant to sound cavalier – I would really like to know the answer)?

5 Likes
7

I don’t know the answer but I suspect if something were to get expanded in research, it would potentially be related to the use/growth of fossil fuels.

8

Reasonable prediction.

9

I work with and have hired environmental science majors. The question is not where to study, but what do they want to do with it? Do they want to be planting trees, taking water samples, counting bats in caves, designing bioswales, or lobbying politicians? They should choose a program that interests them, even if a particular path is not yet known, and try to find meaningful work or volunteer experiences during the summer.

Some programs are policy-based and some are science-based. I would recommend one that touches both sides. All of my environmental scientists do field work and write. Study not only biology but geology, botany, marine science.

4 Likes
10

Are there programs that have stood out to you via your employees for their excellence in academic breadth/diversity ?

1 Like
11

I’m close to SUNY-Stony Brook, so I see a lot of people from there. Good science school, so they prioritize that in their program. But I’m a big believer that you hire people, not diplomas. It’s not only what you know, but your willingness to keep on learning.

1 Like
12

That’s really wonderful advice. I appreciate not only how informed everyone is on this thread, but also how helpful and giving they are. Thank you very much

2 Likes
13

My child went to a SLAC for Env science. While there, decided to double major. Being a smaller school, they worked with my child to help support that endeavor. They had internships each year (a few found through the school) did an REU, did an independent research project at the schools greenhouse that the school supported (student found outside Grant and school allowed use of greenhouse) presented findings at two conferences, had amazing professors who were very invested in her growth. She is off to grad school now. Most of her env friends from that school were accepted to grad school or have beginner env jobs (tough market in government in 2025 for ENV right now) Don’t overlook the SLACS, but you will need a child who loves to learn and loves to seek opportunities. The opportunity is there and the school will support. Of course bigger schools will have “bigger equipment” but that doesn’t seem to hold anyone back. Also, look into the classes. Are they policy or research based?

4 Likes