Environmental Studies

Why choose environmental studies at North Central College?

You won’t just learn about going green—you’ll live green. This minor’s rich curriculum includes biology, business, history, literature and philosophy coursework and plenty of opportunities to participate in North Central’s own sustainability efforts. Whether you want to save the planet or save money by conserving resources, environmental studies will enhance virtually any major and prepare you for a career in a government agency, private corporation, nonprofit organization or academic institution.

You can also:

Conduct field research at some of our partner institutions, including Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, or Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS.
Gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, study abroad opportunities and participation in the College’s sustainability efforts.

North Central College recognized for environmental and energy-saving measures

North Central College students and employees are recognized for supporting measures that encourage environmental conservation and reduce energy consumption.

Jaclyn Boyle earns two awards at Honors Convocation

Jaclyn Boyle received the outstanding major awards in management and in interdisciplinary studies during the 2013 Honors Convocation at North Central College.

Cardinal red bikes are available to students for free

North Central College ranks among the top green colleges in North America

For the third straight year, North Central College earns spot among The Princeton Review’s top green colleges for its ongoing sustainability efforts.

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Internships

Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Naperville
Park Service, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks
The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

Careers

Biologist/ecologist
Urban and regional planner
Sustainability coordinator
Teacher/environmental educator
Environmental lawyer

Stephanie Chennell

Environmental Studies minor

When Stephanie Chennell came to North Central, she found that learning does not stop in the classroom.

“You can pursue your interests through campus organizations such as Green Scene,” Stephanie says. “In class, you learn all about the environment and what you can do to better the future, but Green Scene gives you the opportunity to put those thoughts into action.”

As a sophomore, Stephanie studied environmental issues at the University of Dundee in Scotland.

“Studying abroad opens your eyes in a way that can’t happen in a classroom and provides you an opportunity to get to know yourself on a completely different level,” Stephanie says.

Stephanie graduated from North Central in June...

Kate Lueders

Biology, Environmental Studies minor

Kate followed her instincts when she chose North Central. “It fit all my criteria. It was a small school where I could pursue my many academic interests and run on a competitive cross country team.

She combined her major in biology with a minor in environmental studies and plans to study ecology or conservation genetics in graduate school.

“The humanities and social science classes I took for my minor gave me a broader outlook on environmental issues, which will help my career as a scientist to communicate with people involved in conservation policy.”

Among her favorite experiences was a course on desert ecology. Taken during D-Term, it included hiking through Arizona canyons and other...

Andrea Hehn

Environmental Studies minor

During her paid summer internship, Andrea measured the water quality of aquatic systems at the Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL). She enjoyed supplementing the first-hand experience she gained during her North Central course work and field trips. “Because environmental issues are becoming more and more pressing, this is a valuable degree both professionally and personally,” she says. “It's not an established major yet, so students who want to declare it as a major design it themselves. They can focus on science, literature, history, policy, global studies—almost any discipline. I'm focusing on social issues.” What are Andrea’s plans for the future? The possibilities are endless. “Environmental studies can lead to...

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