Environmental Studies
February 3, 2022 2026-01-05 23:08Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies at Rocky Mountain College
The Environmental Studies major at Rocky Mountain College invites students to think deeply about the relationship between humans and the natural world. Unlike Environmental Science, which is rooted in the natural sciences, Environmental Studies is grounded in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. You’ll explore how culture, politics, economics, history, ethics, and creativity shape— and are shaped by—our changing environment.
From the Industrial Revolution to climate change, environmental racism, and environmental policy debates, this program asks big questions: How did we get here? What values and systems drive environmental change? How do we understand beauty, justice, and responsibility in a rapidly transforming world? If you care about the “big picture” and want to connect environmental issues with people, power, and meaning, this major is built for you.
Why Choose Environmental Studies at Rocky
Environmental Studies at RMC is intentionally interdisciplinary. You’ll move between environmental science, philosophy, history, communication, art, and literature—gaining a broad, integrated view of how humans inhabit and transform their environments. Small classes and close faculty relationships mean you’ll get personal guidance as you wrestle with complex questions about climate, justice, development, and sustainability.
Students learn both in the classroom and in the field, studying Great Plains rivers, regional ecology, and Yellowstone ecosystems. You’ll also explore how environmental issues show up in policy debates, Indigenous histories, social movements, visual culture, and storytelling. The program is designed to help you become an informed, ethically grounded, and articulate advocate or analyst in whatever path you choose.
99%
of students receive scholarships or grants
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Environmental Studies majors will be able to:
- Demonstrate environmental literacy by studying contemporary environmental problems from multiple disciplinary perspectives.
- Understand foundational ecological principles and environmental issues related to air, land, and water at global and regional scales.
- Develop and apply critical thinking and observational skills to analyze environmental questions or case studies.
- Articulate and evaluate the ethical dimensions of environmental issues, including justice and responsibility.
Environmental Studies minors will:
- Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of human–environment relationships.
- Build core literacy in environmental issues and social responses.
- Strengthen their ability to think critically and ethically about environmental challenges in their primary field.
- Articulate and evaluate the ethical dimensions of environmental issues, including justice and responsibility.
$73K
average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies in Montana according to ZipRecruiter
88%
of students are placed in internships
Coursework and Requirements
Your Environmental Studies journey blends introductory science and ecology with courses in art, communication, history, philosophy, and field-based learning. You’ll examine sustainable communities, study river systems and wildlife, and engage with environmental ethics, American environmental history, and environmental communication.
Along the way, you’ll tailor the degree with humanities, arts, and policy-oriented electives that match your interests—whether that’s environmental justice, visual storytelling, or conservation practice. The program culminates in a seminar that brings together your interdisciplinary learning around a central theme or project.
Information
Majors:
B.A Environmental Studies
Minors:
Environmental Studies
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Course highlights include:
Core courses introduce you to environmental science and sustainable communities, Great Plains river systems, organismal biology, geology or climate, and field survey techniques. You’ll explore art’s role in ecological awareness through Art and Ecology, analyze narratives and media in Environmental Communication, and study the past through American Environmental History.
Environmental Ethics invites you to wrestle with responsibility, value, and justice. From there, you can deepen your expertise in conservation biology, range or forest ecology, wildlife management, or Yellowstone winter ecology, and choose humanities and arts electives in areas like literature of the environment, Indigenous resistance, philosophy of technology, design, photography, or museum studies.
Explore Areas in Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies Major
An interdisciplinary program rooted in arts, humanities, and social sciences that explores environmental issues through history, ethics, policy, culture, and ecology. Ideal for students interested in advocacy, communication, policy, education, or community-based sustainability work.
Career Pathways:
Environmental advocacy and non-profit work, public policy and planning, sustainability coordination, environmental education and outreach, community development, environmental communications and media, or preparation for graduate study in environmental studies, law, policy, or related fields.
Environmental Studies Minor
A flexible option for students majoring in fields like Biology, Environmental Science, Political Science, Communication, Art, Education, or Business who want to add critical environmental literacy and ethical perspective to their primary field.
Pair With: Biology, Environmental Science, Political Science, Communication Studies, Education, Art, or Business—to bring environmental awareness and ethical analysis into science, teaching, design, policy, or corporate roles.
Career Pathways: The minor strengthens your candidacy for roles in conservation and resource agencies, NGOs, education, communications, and any career where environmental issues and social impacts intersect, while also supporting applications for graduate or professional programs.
Career & Graduate School Ready
Graduates in Environmental Studies from Rocky are prepared to step into roles that require both environmental literacy and strong human-centered skills. Alumni pursue work with NGOs, community and tribal organizations, government agencies, schools, and mission-driven companies. Others continue into graduate programs in environmental studies, law, public policy, or related fields. Because this major emphasizes writing, critical thinking, ethics, and interdisciplinary analysis, it also prepares you for careers that evolve as environmental challenges and opportunities change over time.
Field Experience and Mentorship
Environmental Studies students benefit from Rocky’s location and faculty expertise. Field courses take you to regional rivers, rangelands, forests, and Yellowstone in winter to see environmental questions up close. You’ll practice observational and research skills while connecting them to history, ethics, and policy discussions back on campus. Small class sizes create space for robust conversation and mentorship, and faculty help you shape internships, research projects, or community-based work that aligns with your interests and future goals.
Information
Majors:
Environmental Studies
Minors:
Environmental Studies
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
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