Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences and Studies (ESS)

Local and global societies face an array of environmental problems, from biodiversity loss to climate change to various types of pollution. To tackle these problems, future leaders need to understand the science behind the issues as well as the societal context in which they occur. The Environmental Sciences and Studies (ESS) major provides students the knowledge and skills to become these future leaders through two major options. The general Environmental Studies major exposes students to environmental issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, while the Environmental Studies major with an emphasis in science allows students to focus primarily on the natural and physical science aspects of today’s environmental problems. Both major curricula integrate Franklin’s Academic Travel program, offer opportunities to pursue independent research, incorporate real-world experience, and encourage majors to study abroad.In particular, Franklin’s affiliation with the School for Field Studies (SFS - www.fieldstudies.org) allows ESS students to study at one of the SFS sites during a summer or semester and receive major credit. Both major programs prepare students for careers in government, non-profit conservation, consulting, as well as for graduate degree programs.