Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that explores the interconnection between humans and the natural environment. Modern environmental issues reflect the complex interactions of natural and social systems at global and local scales. The resulting impacts on the Earth in recent years have led many to ask whether humankind has entered into a new epoch in the planet’s history, one in which humans are now a key driver in the change of Earth systems. The Environmental Science program fosters the critical, integrative thinking required to better understand the complexities and consequences of this human-nature relationship and the resultant scales of impact, and to assess and develop solutions that meet intergenerational human needs without compromising the natural systems upon which humans depend.  

The Environmental Science program offers a major in Environmental Science for both the BA and BS degrees, along with two paths, a major concentration in Earth Science and a major concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The program includes a number of interdisciplinary courses for students interested in broadening their understanding of environmental issues. These courses often are team-taught by faculty from different areas of study, ensuring a broad comprehension of key environmental topics. 

The Environmental Science program is jointly administered by the Departments of BioSciences and Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences.

Bachelor's Programs

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Environmental Science
  • and a Major Concentration in Earth Science
  • and a Major Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Environmental Science
  • and a Major Concentration in Earth Science
  • and a Major Concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Environmental Science does not currently offer an academic program at the graduate level.

Environmental Science Major Advisors

Emma Beer, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
Sylvia Dee, Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
Amy E. Dunham, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Evan Siemann, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

For Rice University degree-granting programs:
To view the list of official course offerings, please see Rice’s Course Catalog.
To view the most recent semester’s course schedule, please see Rice's Course Schedule.

Description and Code Legend

Note: Internally the university uses the following descriptions, codes, and abbreviations for this academic program. The following is a quick reference: 

Course Catalog/Schedule

• Course offerings/subject code: Courses from various subjects may apply towards this program

Department (or Program) Description and Code

• Environmental Studies: ENST

Undergraduate Degree Descriptions and Codes

• Bachelor of Arts degree: BA 
• Bachelor of Science degree: BS 

Undergraduate Major Description and Code

• Major in Environmental Science (both the BA and BS Degrees): ENVS 

Undergraduate Major Concentration Descriptions and Codes

• Major concentration in Earth Science (both the BA and BS Degrees): ESEA 
• Major concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (both the BA and BS Degrees): ESEC 

CIP Code and Description¹

• ENVS Major/Program: CIP Code/Title: 03.0104 - Environmental Science
• ESEA Major Concentration: CIP Code/Title: 40.0601 - Geology/Earth Science, General 
• ESEC Major Concentration: CIP Code/Title: 26.1310 - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology