Environmental Sciences
As an Environmental Sciences major, you can:
- Explore a variety of courses that can count towards your major or minor as core requirements, related courses, and electives.
- Participate in an internship, field experience, or research experience abroad to satisfy your internship or research requirement and gain real-world experience.
Environmental Sciences students should consider when they would complete their Sophomore Seminar course and their Senior Capstone course and factor this into their plans for participating in an Experiential Global Learning program. Students should meet with their academic advisor and discuss which semester might be best for them to go abroad. Flexibility regarding what courses Environmental Science students may be able to take abroad and in what term they can go may vary depending on their chosen plan or concentration within the major. Generally, students can take General Education requirements, electives, and courses that may satisfy concentration requirements.
Sustainable Systems: Courses that may satisfy concentration requirement that may be available abroad are Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Physics, Statistics, and Sociology courses.
Global Change: Courses that may satisfy concentration requirement that may be available abroad are Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Natural Resources, Physics, and Statistics courses.
Human Health: Courses that may satisfy concentration requirement that may be available abroad are Environmental Science and Molecular Cell Biology courses.
When planning an experience abroad, be sure to keep in mind your electives, any extra credits you may be able to use to your advantage, as well as current and upcoming terms in your course of study. For students who have a strict course sequence to follow each semester, a summer or winter program might be a good option.
How will #UConnChangeYourWorld
These programs are recommended based on your academic interests but students can explore additional approved program options via the Program Search.
Fee-Based Programs: Fee-Based Programs charge Program Fees, not UConn tuition. Program Fees will appear on students’ UConn fee bills, along with other UConn fees as listed on the program’s budget sheet.
Summer Sustainable Cities: Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland
This program is targeted towards students with an interest in sustainable transportation and city planning. Students will have the opportunity to do field-based research on various topics relating to sustainable urban and transportation planning. Research findings will be documented in a short film which the students will design, shoot, edit and produce during their time in the field.
Summer Water Systems of Rome: Ancient to Modern
Rome, Italy
This field course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of human interactions with the environment in the development of modern municipal water systems. Each day of the program consists of a field trip, lectures by faculty and other experts while on-site, followed by students conducting water related field exercises.
Winter Geoscience and Geohazards in Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
This program is targeted towards students interested in mixing field-based geologic mapping with an introduction to Chinese culture and history. Students will be outdoors hiking and collecting data most of time while in Taiwan.
Winter Geoscience Field Course in the Bahamas
San Salvador, Bahamas
This program is designed to immerse students in field-based, experiential learning on topics ranging from climate change, carbonate depositional systems, reef ecology, hurricanes, geoarchaeology, karst and cave formation, coastal geomorphology and sustainability. Typical field exercises include creating dune profiles, coring lake sediments, exploring caves and interpreting their formation, constructing stratgraphic columns and describing rock units, assessing reef health, and constructing a sustainability model for the island.
Tuition-Based Program: Tuition-Based Programs charge in-state, New England Regional, and out-of-state UConn tuition rates based on students’ residency. Tuition charges will appear on students’ UConn fee bills, along with other UConn fees as listed on the program’s budget sheet. Students may pay housing through their UConn fee bill or directly to their host university depending on the program.
National University of Singapore
Republic of Singapore
This program offers approved courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Statistics. Courses are offered in many natural science fields on this program.
Edinburgh, Scotland
This program offers approved courses in Economics, Molecular Cell Biology, Natural Resources, and Statistics.
Brisbane, Australia
This program offers approved courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Science, and Physics. Students should take note that many programs in Australia, including the University of Queensland, can be very competitive.
Umbra Institute in Perugia – Food, Sustainability, & Environmental Studies (FSE)
Perugia, Italy
The program in Food, Sustainability, & the Environment (FSE) at Umbra invites students and professors to participate in the study of food systems, sustainability and the environment. Whether enrolling in semester or summer courses, interning in a winery or Umbra’s campus garden, or discovering the complexities of Italian food culture and environmental policy, FSE students develop a deeper understanding of global food systems, sustainability, and the environment. For the Certificate in Environmental Studies & Sustainability, students would take a 4 credit Italian class and then have the following curriculum: Mandatory Core- FSST 300: Experiencing Sustainable Italian Foodways (1 credit) & Three courses with either SUS or ENV titles (9 credits).
The London Program or The London Program with Internship
London, England
This semester-long program offers students the opportunity to focus on their content areas during their semester abroad. Students can choose either a full semester of classes on the London Program, or to take 3-4 classes plus a 6 credit internship experience on the London Program with Internship. Possible internship placements include: Advertising and Public Relations, Communications and Media, Fashion, Government and Politics, Health Care/Sciences, History, Information Technology and Computing, Law, Non-Profit and NGO, Psychology, Social Science and more.
OTS: African Field Ecology and Conservation in South Africa
Skukuza, South Africa
On this program, students can earn 12 credits of either Evolutionary Ecology and Biology or Natural Resources and the Environment credit. Students spend the majority of the semester in Kruger National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and the oldest national park in South Africa. By designing research projects with their professors, students contribute meaningful scientific data to issues faced by managers in South African National Parks.
OTS: Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet
Multiple locations, Costa Rica
The semester-long program allows students to learn through four interconnected courses that introduce you to biomes across Costa Rica, you will become versed in the skills and knowledge necessary to address contemporary issues in conservation and ecology. You will focus on tropical ecology, environmental preservation, research skills, and Spanish in OTS’ dynamic research stations, La Selva, Palo Verde, and Las Cruces, as well as other forest and coastal sites.
Direct-Bill Programs: Direct-Bill Programs charge students directly for their program costs. Students pay the affiliate program directly for their fees, whereas other UConn fees will appear on students’ UConn fee bills as listed on the program’s budget sheet. Be sure to review the program’s full costs on the provider’s own website. UConn is not responsible for those costs.
AIFS Study Abroad in the Galapagos
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
This program runs twice a year, once in January and once over the Summer. Earn 3 semester credits over 2 weeks January term studying abroad in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Study Environmental Science in the course: Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Galápagos, in English. The UConn course equivalent is EEB 2893.
Education Abroad Network: University of Western Australia
Perth, Australia
This program offers Semester and Academic Year options. Recognized as one of the best universities in the world, Western Australia offer excellent courses for Environmental Science students. Students can complete the Choose Earth Certificate program at UWA with TEAN.
SIT Study Abroad Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica
Ushuaia, Argentina
Discover how vulnerable ecosystems are impacted by human activity and climate change in Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. Previous Spanish language study is required for participation on this program as several courses are taught in Spanish. Through site visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and Puerto Williams, you’ll see Southern Patagonia’s biodiversity, ecology, and conservation issues firsthand. You will also learn about scientific research methods and environmental monitoring systems as well as the complexities of managing shared natural resources. Later, you’ll explore the last pristine region of the world on a 10-day expedition of the Antarctic Peninsula with guided landings. You’ll work with scientists and researchers to consider the influence of sea ice and glaciers in the Antarctic biota and learn how that relates to climate regulation.
SIT Study Abroad Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic
Reykjavik, Iceland
Study the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and societies. Visit renewable energy centers, glaciers and awe-inspiring scenery. Witness the astonishing beauty of glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, geothermal fields, highlands, lava flows, rugged coastline, and waterfalls. On excursions to Iceland’s remote Westfjords region and throughout Iceland, you’ll see the impact of global warming on glaciers and ice sheets. Observe ground zero of climate change amidst stunning landscapes while learning about renewable technologies that can help slow the damage. Learn about climate models and carbon management from experts on the front lines of the fight against global warming. Fieldwork will introduce you to scientific methods, data collection and ethical issues related to climate research in Iceland.
Bangkok, Thailand
This program, held at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), offers students the chance to take a number of courses in Environmental disciplines such as ecology, environmental risk assessment and resource management.
The Washington Center: Academic Internship Program in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C., USA
Spend a semester or summer in our nation’s capital! Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, exciting, cosmopolitan city where people are always on the go and there is always something happening. This program is primarily focused on interning. Hundreds of nonprofit, international, private sector, and government agencies host Washington Center interns each year. Past placements in the Environmental sector have included: Earthjustice, Ecological Society of America, U.S. Department of Justice – Environment and Natural Resource Division, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice. One night a week, you’ll take part in one of TWC’s courses. You’ll be able to choose a course that suits you from a wide range of options related to your major or you can try something new. In addition, students will take part in TWC’s career readiness programming which is a mix of professional development workshops, career exploration sessions, networking events and one-on-one advising designed to help you maximize your internship experience and come away with a plan for your next step.
OTS: Summer Tropical Biology in Costa Rica
Multiple locations, Costa Rica
The summer course in tropical biology is fast-paced and will engage you in some of the most critical issues facing tropical biodiversity and ecosystems today. During the four-weeks of the course, you will study in OTS’ three field stations in Costa Rica, giving you access to highly threatened tropical dry forests, lowland wet forests, and primary and secondary premontane wet forests. You’ll become familiar with the natural history of these diverse sites and engage in research under the mentorship of experts working at the field sites. Students will earn 4 credits for the following: EEB/NRE 4390 Fundamentals of Tropical Biology.
Finances are an integral part of the program selection and planning process. Research scholarships early to meet application deadlines and request feedback on essays from advisors and the Writing Center.
McMahon Family Endowment for Global Education
Elizabeth C. Hanson Scholarship
CAHNR Student support for Education Abroad experience
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Scholarships
To learn more about these scholarships and to discover other opportunities, navigate to our scholarships page.
Students are encouraged to gather information through advising and participating in Experiential Global Learning events:
Experiential Global Learning Calendar
Learn about upcoming information sessions and events.
Experiential Global Learning Advisor
Schedule an appointment.
Environmental Science Department
Schedule an appointment with your advisor.
Financial Aid for Experiential Global Learning
Learn how to use your financial aid.
Academic
As an Environmental Sciences major, you can:
- Explore a variety of courses that can count towards your major or minor as core requirements, related courses, and electives.
- Participate in an internship, field experience, or research experience abroad to satisfy your internship or research requirement and gain real-world experience.
Environmental Sciences students should consider when they would complete their Sophomore Seminar course and their Senior Capstone course and factor this into their plans for participating in an Experiential Global Learning program. Students should meet with their academic advisor and discuss which semester might be best for them to go abroad. Flexibility regarding what courses Environmental Science students may be able to take abroad and in what term they can go may vary depending on their chosen plan or concentration within the major. Generally, students can take General Education requirements, electives, and courses that may satisfy concentration requirements.
Sustainable Systems: Courses that may satisfy concentration requirement that may be available abroad are Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Physics, Statistics, and Sociology courses.
Global Change: Courses that may satisfy concentration requirement that may be available abroad are Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Natural Resources, Physics, and Statistics courses.
Human Health: Courses that may satisfy concentration requirement that may be available abroad are Environmental Science and Molecular Cell Biology courses.
When planning an experience abroad, be sure to keep in mind your electives, any extra credits you may be able to use to your advantage, as well as current and upcoming terms in your course of study. For students who have a strict course sequence to follow each semester, a summer or winter program might be a good option.
How will #UConnChangeYourWorld
Programs
These programs are recommended based on your academic interests but students can explore additional approved program options via the Program Search.
Fee-Based Programs: Fee-Based Programs charge Program Fees, not UConn tuition. Program Fees will appear on students’ UConn fee bills, along with other UConn fees as listed on the program’s budget sheet.
Summer Sustainable Cities: Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland
This program is targeted towards students with an interest in sustainable transportation and city planning. Students will have the opportunity to do field-based research on various topics relating to sustainable urban and transportation planning. Research findings will be documented in a short film which the students will design, shoot, edit and produce during their time in the field.
Summer Water Systems of Rome: Ancient to Modern
Rome, Italy
This field course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of human interactions with the environment in the development of modern municipal water systems. Each day of the program consists of a field trip, lectures by faculty and other experts while on-site, followed by students conducting water related field exercises.
Winter Geoscience and Geohazards in Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
This program is targeted towards students interested in mixing field-based geologic mapping with an introduction to Chinese culture and history. Students will be outdoors hiking and collecting data most of time while in Taiwan.
Winter Geoscience Field Course in the Bahamas
San Salvador, Bahamas
This program is designed to immerse students in field-based, experiential learning on topics ranging from climate change, carbonate depositional systems, reef ecology, hurricanes, geoarchaeology, karst and cave formation, coastal geomorphology and sustainability. Typical field exercises include creating dune profiles, coring lake sediments, exploring caves and interpreting their formation, constructing stratgraphic columns and describing rock units, assessing reef health, and constructing a sustainability model for the island.
Tuition-Based Program: Tuition-Based Programs charge in-state, New England Regional, and out-of-state UConn tuition rates based on students’ residency. Tuition charges will appear on students’ UConn fee bills, along with other UConn fees as listed on the program’s budget sheet. Students may pay housing through their UConn fee bill or directly to their host university depending on the program.
National University of Singapore
Republic of Singapore
This program offers approved courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Statistics. Courses are offered in many natural science fields on this program.
Edinburgh, Scotland
This program offers approved courses in Economics, Molecular Cell Biology, Natural Resources, and Statistics.
Brisbane, Australia
This program offers approved courses in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Science, and Physics. Students should take note that many programs in Australia, including the University of Queensland, can be very competitive.
Umbra Institute in Perugia – Food, Sustainability, & Environmental Studies (FSE)
Perugia, Italy
The program in Food, Sustainability, & the Environment (FSE) at Umbra invites students and professors to participate in the study of food systems, sustainability and the environment. Whether enrolling in semester or summer courses, interning in a winery or Umbra’s campus garden, or discovering the complexities of Italian food culture and environmental policy, FSE students develop a deeper understanding of global food systems, sustainability, and the environment. For the Certificate in Environmental Studies & Sustainability, students would take a 4 credit Italian class and then have the following curriculum: Mandatory Core- FSST 300: Experiencing Sustainable Italian Foodways (1 credit) & Three courses with either SUS or ENV titles (9 credits).
The London Program or The London Program with Internship
London, England
This semester-long program offers students the opportunity to focus on their content areas during their semester abroad. Students can choose either a full semester of classes on the London Program, or to take 3-4 classes plus a 6 credit internship experience on the London Program with Internship. Possible internship placements include: Advertising and Public Relations, Communications and Media, Fashion, Government and Politics, Health Care/Sciences, History, Information Technology and Computing, Law, Non-Profit and NGO, Psychology, Social Science and more.
OTS: African Field Ecology and Conservation in South Africa
Skukuza, South Africa
On this program, students can earn 12 credits of either Evolutionary Ecology and Biology or Natural Resources and the Environment credit. Students spend the majority of the semester in Kruger National Park, one of the largest conservation areas in Africa and the oldest national park in South Africa. By designing research projects with their professors, students contribute meaningful scientific data to issues faced by managers in South African National Parks.
OTS: Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet
Multiple locations, Costa Rica
The semester-long program allows students to learn through four interconnected courses that introduce you to biomes across Costa Rica, you will become versed in the skills and knowledge necessary to address contemporary issues in conservation and ecology. You will focus on tropical ecology, environmental preservation, research skills, and Spanish in OTS’ dynamic research stations, La Selva, Palo Verde, and Las Cruces, as well as other forest and coastal sites.
Direct-Bill Programs: Direct-Bill Programs charge students directly for their program costs. Students pay the affiliate program directly for their fees, whereas other UConn fees will appear on students’ UConn fee bills as listed on the program’s budget sheet. Be sure to review the program’s full costs on the provider’s own website. UConn is not responsible for those costs.
AIFS Study Abroad in the Galapagos
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
This program runs twice a year, once in January and once over the Summer. Earn 3 semester credits over 2 weeks January term studying abroad in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Study Environmental Science in the course: Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Galápagos, in English. The UConn course equivalent is EEB 2893.
Education Abroad Network: University of Western Australia
Perth, Australia
This program offers Semester and Academic Year options. Recognized as one of the best universities in the world, Western Australia offer excellent courses for Environmental Science students. Students can complete the Choose Earth Certificate program at UWA with TEAN.
SIT Study Abroad Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica
Ushuaia, Argentina
Discover how vulnerable ecosystems are impacted by human activity and climate change in Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. Previous Spanish language study is required for participation on this program as several courses are taught in Spanish. Through site visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, and Puerto Williams, you’ll see Southern Patagonia’s biodiversity, ecology, and conservation issues firsthand. You will also learn about scientific research methods and environmental monitoring systems as well as the complexities of managing shared natural resources. Later, you’ll explore the last pristine region of the world on a 10-day expedition of the Antarctic Peninsula with guided landings. You’ll work with scientists and researchers to consider the influence of sea ice and glaciers in the Antarctic biota and learn how that relates to climate regulation.
SIT Study Abroad Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic
Reykjavik, Iceland
Study the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and societies. Visit renewable energy centers, glaciers and awe-inspiring scenery. Witness the astonishing beauty of glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, geothermal fields, highlands, lava flows, rugged coastline, and waterfalls. On excursions to Iceland’s remote Westfjords region and throughout Iceland, you’ll see the impact of global warming on glaciers and ice sheets. Observe ground zero of climate change amidst stunning landscapes while learning about renewable technologies that can help slow the damage. Learn about climate models and carbon management from experts on the front lines of the fight against global warming. Fieldwork will introduce you to scientific methods, data collection and ethical issues related to climate research in Iceland.
Bangkok, Thailand
This program, held at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), offers students the chance to take a number of courses in Environmental disciplines such as ecology, environmental risk assessment and resource management.
The Washington Center: Academic Internship Program in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C., USA
Spend a semester or summer in our nation’s capital! Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, exciting, cosmopolitan city where people are always on the go and there is always something happening. This program is primarily focused on interning. Hundreds of nonprofit, international, private sector, and government agencies host Washington Center interns each year. Past placements in the Environmental sector have included: Earthjustice, Ecological Society of America, U.S. Department of Justice – Environment and Natural Resource Division, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice. One night a week, you’ll take part in one of TWC’s courses. You’ll be able to choose a course that suits you from a wide range of options related to your major or you can try something new. In addition, students will take part in TWC’s career readiness programming which is a mix of professional development workshops, career exploration sessions, networking events and one-on-one advising designed to help you maximize your internship experience and come away with a plan for your next step.
OTS: Summer Tropical Biology in Costa Rica
Multiple locations, Costa Rica
The summer course in tropical biology is fast-paced and will engage you in some of the most critical issues facing tropical biodiversity and ecosystems today. During the four-weeks of the course, you will study in OTS’ three field stations in Costa Rica, giving you access to highly threatened tropical dry forests, lowland wet forests, and primary and secondary premontane wet forests. You’ll become familiar with the natural history of these diverse sites and engage in research under the mentorship of experts working at the field sites. Students will earn 4 credits for the following: EEB/NRE 4390 Fundamentals of Tropical Biology.
Finances
Finances are an integral part of the program selection and planning process. Research scholarships early to meet application deadlines and request feedback on essays from advisors and the Writing Center.
McMahon Family Endowment for Global Education
Elizabeth C. Hanson Scholarship
CAHNR Student support for Education Abroad experience
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Scholarships
To learn more about these scholarships and to discover other opportunities, navigate to our scholarships page.
Resources & Contacts
Students are encouraged to gather information through advising and participating in Experiential Global Learning events:
Experiential Global Learning Calendar
Learn about upcoming information sessions and events.
Experiential Global Learning Advisor
Schedule an appointment.
Environmental Science Department
Schedule an appointment with your advisor.
Financial Aid for Experiential Global Learning
Learn how to use your financial aid.
