About Environmental Studies
"The University, through its policies, programs and practices, is committed to diversity, social justice and environmental sustainability" – Illinois Wesleyan University Mission Statement
What is Environmental Studies? In short, it's an examination of issues that arise from interactions of human beings with the natural world.
Environmental challenges can be daunting. At IWU we ask our students to put their passion for sustainability to work during their time here, so that they graduate empowered and prepared to make a difference in the world. For example, this Signature Solutions article describes students' experiences in Vietnam during a recent research-focused Vietnam travel course.
Our Environmental Studies Program offers both a major and a minor degree. Students pursue one of three unique ways to complete the major by focusing on one of the following areas of concentration:
Our students gain a solid foundation in ecological principles, earth science concepts and scientific causes of today's environmental challenges, as well as the institutions - cultural, political, and economic - and ethical dimensions through which to tackle them.
Read our full Mission Statement and Student Learning Goals.
Aaron Wilson - Chair and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Department - Environmental Studies