Why study Environmental Studies at MC?
Are you ready to help the planet? Are you ready to learn how to make money while creating a green business? Do you see yourself studying ecology in the rainforests of Costa Rica, or rural development in Africa, or doing field work on air quality and forests in the Great Smoky Mountains? Would you like to teach environmental education to the next generation of students, or write land, air, and water or energy policy in Washington, DC? Would like to help create the next set of renewable energy projects in East Tennessee? The Environmental Studies (ENV) major provides you with a wide-ranging set of skills that prepares to you tackle planet-wide issues of sustainability, ecology, green building, environmental business practices and non-governmental advocacy of environmental issues.
The ENV Major is housed in the Social Sciences, insuring that you will gain a strong background in economics, politics, sociology and business from a North American and global perspective. The other courses in the major are in math, the humanities, education and the natural sciences, where you will gain skills in analyzing data, best practices in laboratory and field sciences, and environmental education training. As one of the only majors at MC with a required practicum, you will be expected to take your knowledge and apply it in the world beyond campus. Students have interned at any one of over 20 environmental wildlife, renewable energy, air, and water or soil organizations. ENV graduates work at the US Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Tennessee, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in a variety of large and small businesses developing efficient, sustainable products and processes. We have ENV graduates who are practicing lawyers and ENV graduates who currently patrol and guide visitors and rangers for the US National Park Service. Come and be a part of our world.
Maryville College Works is a comprehensive career preparation program that is integrated into the College’s four-year liberal arts curriculum. Key components include assessment, advising, networking and professional experiences.
External Relationships
Tennessee Valley Authority
Blackberry Farm
City of Maryville
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior
Strata-G
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Ijams Nature Center
Little River Watershed Association
Rocky Park Organic Farm
Liles Acres Organic Farm
Meet a current student
Rachael Weaver ’19
Hometown: Ephrata, Penn.
Rachael chose to major in environmental studies at Maryville College because of her love for the outdoors and a desire to work toward solutions to some of the globe’s pressing environmental issues. While at MC, she has interned with Mountain Challenge and helped strengthen the College’s partnership with nearby Rocky Park Organic Farms. “Through this internship, I have been able to start an ongoing imperfect produce stand on campus and on Farm Day, encouraging students to learn more and partake in the growing of their own food at Rocky Park,” she said. “Through what I have learned in class and working with faculty, I already feel that I can/am making a difference in the world around me.”