Eco Experience
At Concordia Language Villages near Bemidji, Minnesota, students study energy conservation and North Woods ecology at the one-of-a-kind BioHaus, designed by a leading-edge German environmental firm.
School of Arts and Sciences
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Become an ecologically literate citizen of our Earth by studying the environment through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.
Our curriculum is developed to ensure students look at the field through an interdisciplinary lens. The program uses the expertise of faculty members across campus, including biology, political science, English, philosophy, and history.
Our courses are uniquely designed to explore complex challenges and solutions while emphasizing collaboration across disciplines and employing expertise from many departments across campus.
Programs of Study
Major or Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Majors can choose from the following concentrations: Natural Sciences, Environmental Policy, Sustainability Studies, Environmental Humanities, and Contract.
Degree Requirements and Courses
Minor in Sustainability and Business
Our newest program option launches in Fall 2026! This interdisciplinary minor between the environmental and sustainability studies program and the Offutt School of Business is ideal for students interested in elevating their understanding of how sustainable principles inform responsible business practices.
Cate Satoris ’25 on Environmental and Sustainability Studies
I chose the environmental studies program because it's given me the opportunity to combine my passion for political science and the environment through the environmental policy concentration. I appreciate the holistic approach it takes; drawing from the scientific, philosophical, and political perspectives has made me understand the intersectionality of environmental issues.
Unique Opportunities
Capitalizing on the strengths of the college's liberal arts curriculum, the environmental and sustainability studies program offers many opportunities for hands-on experiences, field research, and study abroad.
River Ecology
Many of our students work with the River Keepers organization in Fargo-Moorhead to study issues related to water quality in the Red River basin.
Our Program
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Become an ecologically literate citizen of our Earth by studying the environment through a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach. Our courses are uniquely designed to explore complex challenges and solutions while emphasizing collaboration across disciplines and employing expertise from many departments across campus.
Environmental and sustainability studies graduates are employed by a variety of companies, including:
Located about 35 miles from campus near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the LLFS allows students to study a variety of issues related to prairie, forest, and lakeshore habitat. The on-site classroom provides an opportunity to bring samples from the land and water in for closer examination.
The Elsie Welter Natural History Museum at Concordia College seeks to further environmental education in the Fargo-Moorhead area by documenting, preserving, and researching regional and global specimens in order to promote biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Learning Tools
Students use Geographical Information Systems to analyze data related to various environmental and sociological issues. Applications range from natural resource management and public safety to engineering and construction. Students are mapping the Long Lake Field Station’s forb, grass, and tree species using GPS and GIS.
Explore the World
Many of our study abroad programs are based in unique places like Norway's Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle, where ocean currents are reshaping the landscape. Other destinations include the Galapagos Islands to see some of the world’s most unique plant and wildlife species or Tanzania to work alongside scientists with the African Wildlife Federation.
Careers and Continuing Studies
Positions Held by Recent Grads
- Fish hatchery, Colorado
- Environmental scientist, Dakota Technologies
- Regional community organizer, NextGen Climate
- Development coordinator, AmeriCorps, VISTA, CARE Clinics
- Microbiology lab, American Crystal Sugar Co.
- Biology instructor, Hibbing Community College
- Executive advisor, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Alumni Graduate Schools
- Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University
- Kent State University
- Pacific University
- Indiana University School of Law — Bloomington
Related Stories
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Student-Athlete, Researcher
Attending Concordia allowed Alex McPhee ’25 to pursue two passions — wrestling and environmental research.
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Cultivating a Future
From organizing Earth Week events to dreaming of a future with the United Nations, Delaney Claggett ’26 weaves purpose, passion, and community into her college experience.
Contact
Dr. Jennifer L. Sweatman
Associate Professor, Biology; Program Director, Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Biology, Environmental and Sustainability Studies