A collection of research projects presented by students from the Department of Environmental Studies.
Department of Environmental Studies
Where science, society, and sustainability intersect
Are you concerned about environmental challenges at home and around the world—and motivated to make a difference? The Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Redlands prepares students to understand, analyze, and address today’s most pressing environmental problems through an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach. Our programs crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines, bringing together perspectives from the natural and earth sciences, social sciences, and the arts and humanities to examine the complex relationships between humans and their environments. By studying environmental challenges at both local and global scales, students develop a deep understanding of what human societies must do to move toward environmental sustainability.
All Environmental Studies majors complete a shared core curriculum that emphasizes living systems, earth science, and environment–society relations. Students then build on this foundation through advanced and topical courses, including opportunities in geographic information systems (GIS), research methods, environmental ethics, literature, planning, and policy, as well as immersive May Term travel courses. Graduates of the Environmental Studies program leave with a strong multidisciplinary foundation and practical experience that prepares them for meaningful careers in government, industry, nonprofit organizations, and graduate study.
Why Redlands stands out
Why Redlands stands out
The program is housed in its own Environmental Studies Department with full-time faculty solely affiliated with the program, whose interdisciplinary training promotes critical, integrative thinking with sustainability as a central organizing concept.
Students learn by doing through hands-on engagement with Southern California’s ecologically and topographically diverse settings—including mountains, forests, deserts, oceans, and urban environments—supported by a strong GIS and spatially infused orientation.
The curriculum emphasizes global perspectives through May Term travel courses, semester-abroad opportunities, summer research, and a required senior capstone project that synthesizes students’ knowledge and skills into a cohesive, publicly presented project.
The department is housed in a LEED-certified, earth-sheltered building (Lewis Hall) that integrates laboratories, project rooms, indoor and outdoor classrooms, faculty offices, research centers, and a native-planted roof garden designed to support collaborative, 21st-century environmental learning.
Explore our degree programs
Majors
Examine environmental challenges through social perspectives, with quantitative understanding, or business strategy.
See B.A. in Environmental Studies →
See B.S. in Environmental Science →
See B.S. in Sustainable Business →
Minor
Take core courses to understand the physical and biological aspects of environmental systems, environmental social sciences or humanities, and key analytical tools.
See Environmental Studies Minor →
See Environmental GIS Minor →
Undergraduate Teacher Credential Pathway
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) undergraduate student interested in a future career as an Environmental Science teacher.
Where are Redlands graduates now
Student Testimonial
"My favorite part about this [Summer Science Research] program is getting to work in a smaller team of like-minded, hardworking, and creative people. My groupmates, as well as Professor Rountree, all have different skill sets and backgrounds, so having all our minds on a project made them run smoothly. I know most people would cry at the thought of having to do a 10-week-long group project, but we enjoyed every step of it. I got to make some new friends while also working alongside some old friends."
— Elliot Sesma ’24, Double major in Environmental Science and History
Beyond the classroom
PanaMapping in Panama
As part of CORE Four: Redlands' Signature Experiences, May Term offers students to learn beyond the classroom. Among its popular courses is the Panama program—favored by environmental studies, geographic information sciences (GIS), and physics students, but open to all CAS students. Learn more about Professor Dan Klooster’s PanaMapping program, where Redlands students Ian and Keegan share their experience in the Panamanian rainforest.
Research projects
Characterizing the Hydrologic Variability of Meadows in the San Bernardino Mountains
By Abby Dimicco and Kayla Smith
From the Skies: A Look at Vegetative Health of Meadows Over Time Using Landsat and NVDI
By Marina Wesel
Analyzing the Ecological Succession in the Bearpaw Reserve Using Motion Detector Cameras and GIS Remote Sensing
By Hannah Jugar
Who Grows Here? Analyzing Montane Meadow Vegetation as an Indicator of Hydrologic Stress
By Ryuko Novak-Murano
Our community
Student and staff resources
Sustainability in Action
Groups and organizations advancing climate action at Redlands.
Student Research Opportunities
Information on Summer Science Research and field-based learning.
Southern California Internships
List of internships in Southern California and Out-of-State.
Environmental Organizations and Resources
On animal rights, environmental education, conservation, government agencies, and more.
Geospatial, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative
Students and faculty connect field research with spatial modeling through grant-funded projects.
Annual events
University of Redlands proudly hosts Climate Action Week and Climate Teach-In each year in March. Various events are hosted on campus to encourage the community to think critically and actively participate in climate change dialogue and action.
Environmental Studies faculty
Our faculty combine academic expertise with real-world experience, mentoring students through coursework, research, and career development.
