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Do you want to save the world? At Rollins, environmental studies majors are primed to do just that. By examining humanity’s greatest challenges—such as preserving natural resources, planning sustainable cities, protecting critical species—our students create real solutions.

With the support of expert faculty, you’ll explore environmental issues from all relevant lenses: ecological, economic, political, geographical, historical, and design-related. This comprehensive experience will not only give you the foundation you need to pursue a career, but will broaden your perspective and shape you into a global citizen.


Why Study Environmental Studies at Rollins

  1. 1

    Prime Location

    Florida is at the forefront of environmental issues. With a variety of ecosystems and globally significant initiatives right in Rollins’ backyard, you’ll have endless opportunities to see real-world examples and get hands-on experience.

  2. 2

    On-the-Ground Learning

    Our environmental studies program is known for its innovative field-study opportunities—many of which involve travel. From a cloud forest in Costa Rica to an urban farm in Portland, Oregon, new locations provide new perspectives.

  3. 3

    Freedom to Explore

    We intentionally designed this major with just 10 course requirements, so you can choose how to deepen your experience. Whatever your passion—art, politics, science—you will be empowered to combine it with environmental studies.

Interested in Studying Environmental Studies at Rollins?

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Angelo Villagomez ’04 on a snorkeling trip in the Pacific.

“The sustainable development field study I did in Costa Rica led by Dr. Barry Allen taught me the importance of local people in conservation work. I interacted with farmers, environmentalists, business owners, and local officials and learned how the country was trying to develop their economy without having to destroy their natural resources. Rollins taught me that the way you approach conservation is as important as the outcome you seek.”

Angelo Villagomez ’04

Senior Officer, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project


Rollins Environmental Studies Careers

Rollins environmental studies grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and innovative organizations. Learn more about careers in environmental studies.

  • Self portrait of Tyler Kartzinel

    Tyler Kartzinel ’07

    Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology, Brown University

  • Self portrait of Courtney Banker.

    Courtney Banker ’16

    Project Coordinator, City of Austin

  • Self portrait of Cameron Jaggard

    Cameron Jaggard ’06

    Officer, U.S. Oceans at The Pew Charitable Trusts)

  • Self portrait of Carli Davis

    Carli Davis ’15 ’17MBA

    Sustainability & CSR Manager, RM Williams

  • Self portrait of Morgan Laner

    Morgan Laner ’18

    Zero Waste Program Coordinator, University of Texas at Austin

  • Self portrait of Sharon De Andrade.

    Sharon De Andrade ’16

    Graduate Student in Urban Planning and Policy Design, Polytechnic University of Milan


Real World Experience

From internships to research opportunities, environmental studies majors hone their skills in the real world.

  • Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection
  • Everglades Foundation
  • Mead Botanical Garden
  • Orange County Government Florida
  • Inwood
  • Florida State Parks
Rollins College students enjoying lunch by the Lakeside pool.

Apply By November 15

It’s never been easier or more rewarding to apply to Rollins. No app fee, formal essay, or test scores required. Apply by November 15 to receive priority consideration for admission and academic scholarships that range from $15,000 per year to full ride.

Start an ApplicationStart an Application

Popular Courses

Classes are small—usually fewer than 18 students—and focus on interactive experiences. Many provide context for field-study opportunities, and all offer a unique angle on the moral imperative of environmental citizenship.


A Day in the Life of a Rollins Environmental Studies Major

“My education at Rollins has given me a new worldview and has changed my self-perception. The challenging, supportive professors in the environmental studies department made me a more intellectually curious person and prepared me well for the next stage of my education.”

Alex Peterson ’17

JD Candidate, Duke University School of Law

Students spying wildlife through binoculars on a field study to Costa Rica.

Beyond the Classroom

First-Year Faculty-Led Field Study Every August, a group of first-year students travel to Costa Rica before ever stepping foot on campus. This crash course in sustainability is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded students, spark an interest in global affairs, and see firsthand how a country’s focus on conservation can define its economy and culture.

Genius Reserve A property owned by the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation of Winter Park, this working restoration project is a living example of Old Florida where Rollins students can conduct research, intern, and perform fieldwork.

Sustainability Program This student-led initiative gives students an outlet to implement real change on campus. Among other projects, they run a bike-share program for students and faculty as well as a 900-square-foot working farm that provides organic produce for area restaurants.



Dive Into Environmental Studies at Rollins

Explore more about what it will be like to major in environmental studies at Rollins.

  • What You Will Learn

    To fulfill its mission, the Department has designed a curriculum that prepares students to address the challenge of sustainability through an understanding of the ecological, political, economic, historical, ethical, and social dimensions of environmental issues.

  • Genius Preserve

    Students are able to work with the Department to conduct research projects, class fieldwork, and may also receive land stewardship scholarships while interning on the Preserve.


Keep Exploring

Take a deeper dive into environmental studies at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.

Maddie Cholnoky on a scientific dive for NOAA

August 01, 2024

What It’s Like ... to Save Our Coral Reefs

For environmental studies major Maddie Cholnoky ’17, there was only one path—and it led straight to the ocean.

What It’s Like ... to Save Our Coral Reefs
Earth Conference 2024 poster

May 22, 2024

Earth Charter International Conference Held at Rollins

In April, Rollins played host to the fifth annual Earth Charter Conference, a three-day event focused on education for sustainability and global citizenship and for planetary well-being.

Earth Charter International Conference Held at Rollins
Alise Fortune, Alexis Munsey, Olivia Tamburlini, Rivers Lenholt, Coco Marshall, and Alec Kriegbaum.

May 01, 2024

Bright Lights

Rollins’ 2024 valedictorians share how the College connected them to their purpose, what they’ll miss most, and what’s next in their meaningful lives and productive careers.

Bright Lights

Expert Faculty

Our environmental studies professors specialize in all aspects of sustainability—ecology, economics, politics, geography, history, and urban design—giving you a well-rounded menu of coursework and a more comprehensive view of environmentalism around the globe.

Department of Environmental Studies

Bush Science Center
1000 Holt Ave. – 2753
Winter Park, FL32789

Telephone:407.646.2392

Fax:407.628.6309

  • Self portrait of Barry Allen

    Barry Allen, PhD

    Associate Professor of Environmental Studies

    National-park policy and sustainable development

  • Self portrait of Leslie Poole

    Leslie Kemp Poole, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

    History of the environmental movement, particularly the grassroots organizers who in Florida and across the country included many women

    Visit site

  • Self portrait of Lee Lines

    Lee Lines, PhD

    Professor of Environmental Studies

    Physical geography, food and sustainability, sustainable development, climate change impacts, and western North America

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  • Self portrait of Emily Nodine.

    Emily Nodine, PhD

    Department Chair, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies

    Links between climate and the biosphere, aquatic and coastal ecosystems, wetland ecology and restoration, and scales of disturbance

  • Self portrait of Bruce Stephenson

    Bruce Stephenson, PhD

    Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies

    Intersection of regional planning, environmental protection, and urbanism

  • Self portrait of Ann Francis

    Ann Francis

    Sustainability Program/Environmental Studies Coordinator

    Research interests: Promotes environmental and sustainable responsibility and awareness on campus

Professor and students in a class discussion at a Rollins outdoor classroom

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

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