Environmental Studies
Imagining a just future for all on a changing planet
Why major in Environmental Studies at Macalester?
In a word: Action.
For nearly fifty years, Macalester has had a dedicated and deeply interdisciplinary focus on Environmental Studies. We use case studies, problem-solving, and a community-centered approach to address environmental problems at the local, national and global levels.
Our faculty bring expertise from the humanities, social sciences, physical, and biological sciences. Our affiliated faculty in other departments come from all corners of campus, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, economics, education, geography, geology, GIS, philosophy, and physics.
Research
Our students work with faculty through summer research fellowships on tropical rainforests, climate change policy, paleoclimate, and the psychology of behavioral change.
Many students go on to conduct independent research culminating in honors theses such as how agriculture might mitigate climate change; lowering the implementation barriers to photovoltaics; and global sanitation challenges.
Life after Macalester
After Macalester, Environmental Studies students pursue a variety of options in graduate school and employment.
Environmental Studies in the cities
*A 300-acre field study lab is only 15 minutes from campus.
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**Number of internships within 8 miles of campus, including governmental organizations on the leading edge of urban sustainability.
Minnesota’s state capitol is 6 miles from campus, allowing students easy access to state legislators and agencies.
Join our community
We don’t just talk about environmental issues here, we also take part in them.
- EnviroThursdays—bring your bag lunch and join the community to hear from local and national experts at one of Macalester’s longest running public seminars
- EcoHouse—a living and learning residential option where students test various green technologies and lifestyle choices
- Green@Mac—aims to promote all aspects of holistic sustainability and urban gardening
- Mac Bike—bike advocacy and a repair workshop
- MacShares—a student-run cooperative that sells produce and dry bulk goods to the Macalester community at weekly pop-up sales
- Mac Sunrise—a local chapter of the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led movement promoting student advocacy around climate justice and equity
- Outing Club—offers adventure in the great outdoors through inexpensive trips and reasonable gear rental
Sustainability goals
Macalester is committed to leading by example. Our sustainability initiatives focus on achieving carbon neutrality, zero waste, and investing in campus based sustainable agriculture and fair trade.
