Frequently Asked Questions

UPDATED: July 26, 2023 

What is the School of the Environment? 

The School of the Environment (SotE) brings together three thriving programs that are deeply embedded in the fabric of the University: the Department of Earth & Climate Sciences, the Environmental Studies program and the Department of Geography & Environment.  

Our vision is to cultivate a community of students, staff, and faculty bound together by a common commitment to scientific exploration, sustainable stewardship of our environment and social justice.  

Learn more about our mission, goals and objectives on the SotE website. 

Why did the Department of Earth & Climate Sciences, the Environmental Studies program and the Department of Geography & Environment merge into the School of the Environment?

While each program has its distinguished history and offers its own unique experiences, we realized the three programs share many common themes, values and academic interests. By merging the three programs into one school, we are able to collaborate more easily and cohesively across the different disciplines. In turn, we are able to better serve our students. 

When did this change become official? 

The start of the Fall 2023 semester. 

How will this change impact the University from an organizational standpoint? 

With this merger, the Department of Earth & Climate Sciences and the Department of Geography & Environment will no longer exist. However, the degrees offered through these departments will continue to be delivered under the direction SotE.   

The Environmental Studies program will transition from the School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement to the School of the Environment. 

How will this affect students earning their degrees? 

The merger does not interrupt a student’s path toward earning their degree. All degree programs currently housed in the Environmental Studies program, the Department of Geography & Environment, and the Department of Earth & Climate Sciences will transfer without alteration to the School of the Environment. Collectively, these existing degrees include the following: 

  1. B.A. in Environmental Studies 

  1. B.A. in Geography  

  1. B.A. in Earth Science  

  1. B.S. in Environmental Studies  

  1. B.S. in Earth Sciences  

  1. B.S. in Environmental Science  

  1. M.A. in Geography  

  1. M.A. in Geography: Concentration in Resource Management and Environmental Planning  

  1. M.S. in Geographic Information Science  

  1. M.S. in Geosciences  

  1. Minor in Geography  

  1. Minor in Earth Sciences  

  1. Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions 

How will this affect faculty and staff? 

Faculty and staff from the Environmental Studies program, the Department of Geography & Environment and the Department of Earth & Climate Science will be housed under the School of the Environment. This will allow for more cohesive collaboration among our employees, which in turn will help us better teach, support and advise our students. 

What physical spaces will the School of the Environment occupy on campus? 

All spaces currently allocated to the Department of Earth & Climate Sciences, the Environmental Studies program and the Department of Geography & Environment will be allocated to the School of the Environment (SotE). SotE faculty will continue receive updates and guidance from the school regarding this matter. 

Who are the directors of the school?

Director, Andrew Oliphant and Associate Director, Mary Leech. (Click on their names to read their faculty bios.)