Applying to college is such a thrilling mix of joy and stress. Each student has their own experience, of course. But even the process of making a list of schools tends to be a real learning curve. Good news: For high school students interested in studying any and all things climate, including environmental science, there have never been so many great schools and programs to choose from. It seems every university today offers undergraduate environmental options.
Also good news: pretty much anything a student majors in today can lead to a climate job. What career isn’t related to climate at this point? Students can graduate and become a climate artist, environmental health doctor, climate content creator or even illustrator, activist, chef devoted to sustainable agriculture, elected official, and so on.
Tell Congress: The Climate Clock Is Ticking. Act Now for Our Kids’ Future.
To narrow down where to apply to study, consider specific interests. Students who generally want to “study climate” can look more closely at what environmental majors a school offers—there will likely be a wide variety of options from sustainable business to oceanography. Certain schools specialize in one area of environmental science, while others offer a broader education.
The following is a nonexhaustive list of top schools for all things environment and climate. One caveat: you can of course get an incredible education in environmental studies at any of what are considered the nation’s elite schools. All consistently rank globally for top-tier environmental science, but there’s more out there than the Ivies.
Oceans
Interested in oceanography, marine science, and how climate chaos is impacting our oceans? Check out Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The Institution offers four majors to choose from (that’s three more than just marine biology!), minors, and more than 100 undergraduate courses covering “a breadth of earth and marine sciences on a variety of different levels,” according to the school. Students can also graduate and stay put; the Institution offers graduate degrees and ample research opportunities.
Clean energy and innovation
Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability offers several undergraduate majors, including civil and environmental engineering, earth and planetary sciences, earth systems (an interdisciplinary program), and energy science and engineering.
Forestry
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry—part of the New York State school system, is hyper focused on natural resources, forestry, and hands-on conservation fieldwork. Students are referred to as “mighty oaks,” and the college touts a strong feeling of a shared sense of purpose on campus.
Environmental science
OK, fine. Harvard University shines in this category. If you’ve got the chops to get in, go for their degree in energy, climate, and the environment. According to the school, “The challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are, at their root, driven by the world’s growing demand for energy. Solving them will take more than any single discipline can offer.” The degree is meant to teach students to be part of the solution, whatever path that looks like. And you know the lab facilities and fieldwork opportunities will be top notch.
Policy
Budding policy wonks can check out Syracuse University’s environment, sustainability, and policy B.S. It’s designed to prepare students to “explore and think critically about the political, cultural and economic factors that affect environmental policy around the world.”
Meteorology
Should you want to study what’s officially referred to as “atmospheric studies,” head to Penn State. Their department is small and family-like, they say, with ample research opportunities. You’ll need strong math and physics skills, of course, plus a strong interest in all things weather.
Sustainability
University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability offers a variety of focus from climate modeling to urban planning. The undergraduate program is geared toward developing students with a passion for environmental studies into, in their words, “advocates working toward a more just, sustainable and green future—all with an interdisciplinary perspective.”
Agriculture
Options abound if you’re seeking a school well regarded for sustainable agriculture and climate-smart farming programs, including Cornell, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, to name a few. If your interest skews toward agricultural ecology and land use, and you also want a strong human-environment curriculum focus, look into University of California–Davis, which is known worldwide for ag and environmental sciences. They offer a sustainable agriculture and food systems major and plenty of fieldwork opportunities.
Tell Congress: The Climate Clock Is Ticking. Act Now for Our Kids’ Future.