Majors & Programs
University of Richmond offers opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate students to focus their studies on sustainability. Explore programs below offered through Environmental Studies, Geography, Environment, & Sustainability, the Law School, and the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.
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Environmental Studies Major
The Environmental Studies program looks at how humans interact with the natural world. The major integrates the study of physical, chemical and biological components of the environment. Students take many courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
The field has grown substantially since the 1960’s, as public awareness of environmental problems grew. The public began to rely on informed scientists to recommend practical public policies and environmental standards. Today, environmental scientists study issues like climate change, conservation, biodiversity, pollution, natural resource usage, waste management and sustainable development.
Students can choose to concentrate in Environmental Science or Environment and Society, however a concentration is not required.
Department: Environmental Studies
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Environmental Studies Minor
Environmental Studies offers a 6 unit minor. Learn more about courses and requirements here.
Department: Environmental Studies
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Geography Major
The discipline of geography seeks to understand the transformation of the earth in relationship to both human and environmental processes and serves as a bridge between the natural and social sciences. Spatial theories (scale, location, place, and connectivity) allow geographers to critically analyze change in the cultural, physical and economic landscape.
Students find geography’s interdisciplinary nature combines well with other programs and fields of study such as international studies, environmental studies, biology and economics.
Learn more about this major and its course requirements here.
Department: Geography, Environment, & Sustainability
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Geography Minor
Geography, Environment, & Sustainability offers a 6 unit minor. Learn more about courses and requirements here.
Department: Geography, Environment, & Sustainability
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Sustainability Minor
Geography, Environment, & Sustainability offers a minor in Sustainability. Learn more about courses and requirements here.
Department: Geography, Environment, & Sustainability
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Graduate Studies
Through the School of Law, students can pursue education in Environmental Law. Environmental law is a dynamic and far-reaching field. Nearly every lawyer, whether or not involved in an environmental law career, eventually deals with it. Energy and environmental law are front-page news now, and forthcoming global warming regulation will almost certainly affect every sector of the economy. There is, and will continue to be, a demand for lawyers with environmental expertise and the ability to advise clients on the environmental implications of corporate transactions, development projects, and litigation involving state and federal environmental laws.
Some students have also successfully pursued a joint J.D./M.U.R.P. degree with Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. This arrangement makes it possible for students to receive a law degree and an urban and regional planning degree (M.U.R.P.) in four years rather than the five years ordinarily required.
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Certificate Programs
The School of Professional & Continuing Studies offers a number of Sustainability & Environment certificates. Their environment and sustainability programs encourage and teach sustainable living, ecological stewardship and environmental leadership. Courses enable professionals to learn and lead by implementing sustainable design and practices in their everyday lives.
Certificates offered include: