There are a variety of ways students may conduct research in environmental science and studies for academic credit. Read the course descriptions below for a better understanding of your options.
Independent Research (EVSC or EVST 392)
These courses are intended to allow any environmental major to pursue an advanced research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. These courses, which may count as an environmental focus course for EVST majors and a track elective for EVSC majors, share many of the intellectual characteristics of the Thesis courses. However, EVSC/EVST 392 does not require a particular GPA, the production or oral defense of a thesis, or approval by the Faculty Committee on Honors and Academic Awards.
Students interested in taking an Independent Research course should discuss their research interests with the faculty member whose research program most interests them. The adviser and student identify the problem to be investigated, develop a plan of research, and carry it to completion. Many students who participate in the honors program begin their research projects in their junior year by taking a semester of Independent Research to define their research projects, learn the necessary techniques and to obtain preliminary data.
Sustainability Internship (EVST 380)
The Sustainability Internship provides course credit to students working on sustainability-related projects. It is jointly supervised by a staff member of the Office of Sustainability or another partner organization, and a faculty member affiliated with the EVST/EVSC program. The intern meets regularly with their supervisors and submits a written report at the end of the semester demonstrating their contribution to the sustainability goals of the partner organization through research, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Capstone in Environmental Studies (EVST 400)
This collaborative research-based course is required for all environmental majors unless the student has permission to conduct an Honors Thesis (see below). EVST 400 is the pinnacle of the environmental academic journey, integrating knowledge gained throughout the environmental program and fostering personal growth.
The specific practical objectives of this course are to enhance the College’s environmental standing, build sustainability leadership, and advance the climate action plan by completing an original research project that demonstrates interdisciplinary thinking and knowledge. This course is also designed to foster professional and personal development alongside academic learning. By learning how to intentionally develop, demonstrate, document, and explicitly articulate core “career readiness” competencies, you can strengthen your candidacy for internships and jobs, as well as accelerate your career mobility and advancement.
Honors Thesis (EVSC or EVST 495/496)
As is the case with Independent Research, the thesis courses are intended to allow any environmental major to pursue an advanced research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The research is done in the area of expertise of the mentor and sometimes results in the publication of a paper in a refereed journal with the student as co-author.
Thesis courses are normally taken only by seniors, and they are expected to lead to the presentation of an honors thesis by the student at the end of the senior year. Students must be accepted by a faculty mentor and their thesis research proposal must be approved by the committee. Following a year or more of work, each honors candidate must defend their thesis before their committee and any invited guests. The student must be approved for graduation with honors by the committee, the Faculty Committee on Academic Progress, the entire faculty and, ultimately, the Board of Trustees.
Additional information about Honors Thesis research can be found here.