Environmental Science

Barnard College’s Environmental Science Department provides highly motivated students with challenging and rewarding programs in Environmental Science, Environmental Biology, and Environment and Sustainability. High academic standards, interdisciplinary courses, and training in methodologies, such as field and laboratory work and data analysis, ready students with the tools needed to think critically, evaluate and solve problems, conduct original research, and communicate science to address the needs of society.

Fall 2026 Information for Current Students

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Going forward, the Portal will be the primary place for schedule updates and announcements, so we recommend bookmarking it and checking in regularly.

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What this degree prepares you to do

Create pathways towards a sustainable and just future by identifying and addressing challenges and developing and implementing innovative solutions;

Understand the history, structure, function, interactions, and trends of coupled human-environment systems including hydrologic, atmospheric, oceanographic, biological, geological, economic, and social elements and their interactions;

Assemble a logical chain of reasoning ranging from observation to inference and action, not only to identify and characterize a problem, but also to find solutions:

Design an independent scientific inquiry, from methods to interpretation;

Locate, organize, analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate complex information from multiple and disparate sources;

Apply appropriate analytical and quantitative approaches:

Organize, visualize, and statistically analyze environmental data, and interpret relationships, trends and make predictions about future changes;

Effectively create, process, and analyze 2 or 3 dimensional spatially distributed data;

Handle and solve uncertain, complex, real-world problems in the lab, field, community, and workplace;

Think critically, creatively, resourcefully, and strategically, including identifying steps needed to reach goals, manage projects, evaluate progress, and adapt approaches, developing both self-reliance, and civic‐mindedness;

Collaborate in inclusive teams, with peers and mentors, and work with others in diverse group settings, developing flexibility and leadership skills.

Utilize advances in environmental sciences and technology as well as in the social sciences to resolve sustainability issues, such as climate change and environmental injustices, and anticipate implications to achieve both equitable and sustainable outcom

Clearly communicate complex analyses, interpretations and significance through various media (oral presentation, poster, proposal, research article, report), to audiences ranging from scientific to policy, and the general public.

Environmental Science provides a scientific basis for management of earth systems. It focuses on the interaction between human activities, resources, and the environment. As human population grows and technology advances, pressures on earth's natural systems are becoming increasingly intense and complex. Environmental Science is an exciting field where science is used to best serve society. The department offers two majors, Environmental Science and Environment and Sustainability. A third major, Environmental Biology, is offered in conjunction with the Department of Biological Sciences.

The curriculum recognizes the need for well-trained scientists to cope with balancing human requirements and environmental conservation. Majors acquire an understanding of earth systems by taking courses in the natural sciences, as well as courses investigating environmental stress. Students learn to critically evaluate the diverse information necessary for sound environmental analysis. Our courses foster an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving.

Internships or some type of work or field experience are extremely valuable in preparing students for a career in Environmental Science. We strongly encourage students to consider an internship in the summer before the senior year because it may lay the foundation for the senior thesis. Studies have shown that students who have had related work experience are more attractive to employers and graduate schools.

Students interested in environmental science might want to consider a semester or summer program at the SEE-U, SEA Semester at Woods Hole, the School for Field Studies, the Organization for Tropical Studies, or some other field program. In addition, we recommend that those students planning to go abroad in the junior year elect to do so in the Fall Semester rather than the Spring Semester in order to take best advantage of senior seminar research planning and programming.

Students wishing to go on to graduate school or careers in earth science and the physical sciences should take at least two semesters each of calculus, physics, and chemistry. Those considering graduate school or careers in biological/chemical fields are recommended to take calculus as well as upper-level courses in biology and chemistry, and may wish to consider enrolling in an Environmental Biology major or minors in these fields. Students interested in pursuing further work in environmental policy, environmental justice, economics, environmental law, journalism, or teaching may consider enrolling in an Environment and Sustainability major or pursuing a double major, a special major, or a major/minor combination in relevant fields.

Recommendations for First-Years and Prospective Majors

What course should I start with as a First-Year?

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Students interested in exploring Environmental Science or who are concerned about their science background are encouraged to take EESC BC1001 with the lab course EESC BC1011. This course is an introductory course that gives students exposure to Environmental Science while also fulfilling various general education requirements. This is a great course for nonmajors as well.

Students with a strong science background who are interested in majoring in Environmental Science are encouraged to take EESC UN2100, Earth’s Environmental Systems: Climate or UN2200, Earth’s Environmental Systems: Solid Earth. These required courses are offered in both semesters and students may begin with either of the courses.

These courses are very content-heavy and are fast-paced so we do not advise that First-Years enroll in courses over the 2000-level in the first semester unless they are certain of the major.

We encourage First-Year students considering a major to review the relevant Suggested Four-Year Program Worksheets, keeping in mind that these are samples used for planning purposes. Students should select courses in consultation with their Academic Adviser or an Environmental Science instructor in order to create a plan that best suits them.

Environmental Science Major
  Program I Worksheet—beginning with EESC UN2100/UN2200
      Program II Worksheet—beginning with EESC BC1001

Environment and Sustainability Major
      Program Worksheet

Environmental Biology Major
      Program Worksheet

Which introductory Biology course should students take?

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Which introductory Chemistry course should students take?

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Which introductory Physics should students take?

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What AP or IB credit counts towards this major?

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Majors and Minors

The Environmental Science curriculum recognizes the need for well-trained scientists to cope with balancing human requirements and environmental conservation. Majors acquire an understanding of earth systems by taking courses in the natural sciences, as well as courses investigating environmental stress. Students learn to critically evaluate the diverse information necessary for sound environmental analysis. Courses foster an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving. Internships or some type of work, research, or field experience are extremely valuable in preparing you for a career in Environmental Science.

Environmental Science provides a scientific basis for management of earth systems. It focuses on the interaction between human activities, resources, and the environment. As human population grows and technology advances, pressures on earth's natural systems are becoming increasingly intense and complex. Environmental Science is an exciting field where science is used to best serve society.

Environmental Biology

Environmental Biology Majors take courses in both the Environmental Science and Biology departments. Majors will have advisers from both departments and will elect whether they will complete senior research thesis coursework in either the Environmental Science or Biology Departments. Career opportunities are possible in: research, natural history museums and parks, environmental education, environmental advocacy, and government agencies.

Environment and Sustainability

The Environment and Sustainability major was approved by the Barnard Faculty in the Fall of 2017, growing out of a revised Environmental Policy major. Sustainability is a growing field focusing on finding solutions in an ever-changing environment. Majors develop an understanding of the processes and stresses of earth's systems, handle environmental data and make reasoned assessments, and engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary work required for developing approaches to maintain a sustainable environment. Careers in Sustainability are growing to meet the needs of our changing planet.

4 + 1 Programs

4+1 Pathways for Accelerated Graduate Study

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4+1 Pathways for Accelerated Graduate Study

Students interested in Barnard's suite of pathways to obtain Columbia University graduate degrees in five years by taking master ’s-level courses alongside foundational undergraduate courses should make an appointment in Beyond Barnard and inquire about the 4+1 Pathways for Accelerated Graduate Study

In order to apply, you must

Attend Beyond Barnard Info Session to get an overview of the eligibility and application requirements
Meet with Beyond Barnard Advisor
Meet with a Barnard Faculty
Complete Barnard and Pathway Prerequisites
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50
Must have completed most of their requirements for their undergraduate major at the end of their junior year

No GRE test is required and no application fee is required for any of these programs. Students apply in the Fall semester of their junior year (likely November or December). To apply, students must submit:

Official transcripts
Personal statement
Resume or CV
Three letters of recommendation
Some require an online application or additional forms

MPH in Columbia School of Public Health

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MS in Columbia School of Engineering

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MA in Columbia Arts & Sciences Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS)

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MIA/MPA in Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

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Our Faculty

Martin Stute

Alena Wels Hirschorn '58 and Martin Hirschorn Professor in Environmental and Applied Sciences and Co-Chair, Environmental Science Department

Co-Chair

Brian Mailloux

Alena Wels Hirschorn '58 and Martin Hirschorn Professor in Environmental & Applied Sciences Ann Whitney Olin Professor of Environmental Science

Elizabeth M. Cook

Associate Professor of Environmental Science

Logan Brenner

Assistant Professor in Environmental Science

Terryanne Maenza-Gmelch

Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science

Sedelia Rodriguez

Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science; Environmental Science Minor Advisor; Assistant Director/Program Coordinator-Science Pathways Scholars Program

Dana Neacşu

Adjunct Professor in Environmental Science

Mike He

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Man with with short gray hair wearing dark suit jacket, white shirt and pink tie.

Peter Bower

Research Scholar in Environmental Science

Five Year Programs

Columbia MS in Sustainability Management

BA/BS in Engineering (5 years)

MIA/MPA in International Affairs (5 years)

You can combine your BA from Barnard with a Masters of Science Degree from Columbia in Sustainability Management

Barnard has approved and is participating in Columbia's Masters in Sustainability Management Program. Admitted undergraduate students may take up to two Sustainability Management courses that count toward the master’s degree during their senior year. These courses will be accepted for advanced standing in Sustainability Management, but may not be counted toward students’ undergraduate degree requirements. These courses are SUMA K4100 Sustainability Management and one Approved Physical Dimensions of Sustainability Course. Please see Department Co-Chair Martin Stute if you are interested in this program. You can also view additional information on the application materials here.

Our Department

Annual Department Retreat

The Annual Department Retreat to Black Rock Forest in September is a highlight for many of our students and is a wonderful opportunity for students and faculty to come together as a community and share some memorable experiences. This overnight trip includes activities such as hiking, campfire and s'mores, games, sing-alongs, and much more.

Program Planning

Program Planning is hosted once a semester before class registration. This event introduces the students to the department, our major requirements, course offerings for the semester, and other opportunities. This also allows students to speak with faculty and upperclassmen about the advising, courses, and the major.

Career Panels

We host two career panels every fall semester with Barnard Environmental Science alums who share their career journeys and the paths that led them to where they are today. Career panels are a great way to get exposed to various jobs and fields.

Research and Internships Events

We host several events to share research and internship opportunities for students. These events include

Summer Research Meeting

Seniors Research Experience Share Lunch

Lamont/Earth Summer Research Lunch

Study Abroad Lunch

This event is series of presentations by students about their experiences applying, living, and studying abroad in their junior spring. We offer this luncheon as an information session for students to learn about the various programs and countries but also as a community building event to bond with students who went abroad or plan to go abroad.

Stress Busters

This is an arts and craft activity that we set up for students during reading period and finals week. Students can drop by anytime and take time to relax and recharge!

Opportunities and Resources

At any time in your search, you are encouraged to approach a faculty member for advice and to ask about pursuing independent research, either as a job (see Beyond Barnard) or as part of an academic study or research program. We encourage you to make an appointment with departmental faculty either as co-chairs, instructors, or advisers. There are opportunities during the year in our department and our affiliates and with paid summer opportunities such as SRI or the Lamont and Earth Institute program

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

How to find research opportunities

Junior Year Summer & Senior Research Projects

Other Research Opportunities

Study Abroad

Barnard's Summer Research Institute (SRI) is a 10-week program for Barnard students who want to conduct scientific research over the summer. Students work directly with a mentor at Barnard College, Columbia University, or other institutions. The SRI provides a common experience for students, providing additional training and opportunities to build skills, along with faculty lectures, alumnae panel discussions, social events, and more. Students receive funding, provided by grants, alumnae donors, and the Office of the Provost. Students interested in working in an external lab may do so but must ask if the mentor can provide full or partial funding. Many of our Junior major SRI participants use their work as foundations for their Senior Thesis Projects. Subsidized campus housing is available for those who apply.
The Earth Intern Program for Columbia and Barnard undergraduates provides a summer research experience in Environmental sciences. The program features a hands-on research project under the supervision of an LDEO-affiliated scientist, as well as special lectures, workshops, and fieldtrips. As BC/CU junior, you have a very good chance of being admitted for this research funded by the Earth Institute and our Junior majors usually use this research for their Senior Thesis. A stipend and campus housing is included. The deadline is usually in March.
The Lamont Summer Intern Program for undergraduates from U.S. colleges and universities provides a summer research experience in Earth and ocean sciences. The program features a hands-on research project under the supervision of a Columbia-affiliated scientist, as well as special lectures, workshops, and fieldtrips. When applying to this program you will compete with students from all over the country. Our majors do well in this application process and usually perform this research in the summer of their Junior year as a basis for their Senior Thesis. This program is an REU, Research Experience for Undergraduates, and provides research opportunities funded by NSF. A stipend and campus housing is included. The deadline is usually in March.

Details on applying to these programs can be found under the links above. For information on other campus-wide research opportunities, check out Barnard's Research Opportunities page.

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