What is the Environmental Humanities?

• An interdisciplinary, academic field that uses humanities inquiry and tools to address environmental crises and injustices, communicate about environmental solutions in publicly accessible ways, and transform societal conceptions of human relations with our environment. EH work balances rigorous scholarship with direct problem-solving in the world. Review a few important works in our field.
• A mode of critical thinking and action toward ensuring access to healthy and sustainable environmental futures for all living beings, including those most vulnerable to environmental degradation.
• A research practice that confronts climate change and other environmental crises, responds to environmental injustices, and amplifies multiple ecological knowledges.
• A place to participate in community-based learning and research with local community partners.
• A two-year master’s program and an undergraduate certificate preparing students for careers as environmental leaders and thinkers in the 21^st
• A community of students, staff, and faculty learning more about research in environmental justice, Indigenous ecological knowledges, and community engagement.
• A cohort of learners whose minds are sharpened by steady application and whose intellectual expectations are high, guided by outstanding faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields.

What can I do with this degree?

We provide hands-on career planning for students that guides them towards meaningful internships and attractive jobs; you can read more about some of our alumni on our blog. Our graduates pursue:

• Leadership roles in non-profit, humanities and environmental organizations.
• Ph.D. programs in the humanities, American studies, sociology, forestry, geography, environmental studies; professional degrees, such as law and public policy
• Jobs with federal agencies like the National Park Service, Forest Service, and the BLM. Two of our students have completed the Presidential Management Fellows Program and a current alumna is an ORISE Climate Change Communications Fellow.
• Jobs with environmental agencies in state, county and city governments
• Climate, energy and environmental journalism
• Creative writing, editing, publishing, photography and art

What do you look for in your applicants?

We welcome applications from individuals with degrees not only in the humanities, but also in the sciences and social sciences. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds including those coming from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TUCs), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs).

All successful applicants should be:

• Strong writers and creators
• Critical thinkers and readers
• Passionate supporters of environmental solutions
• Innovative and visionary theorists and practitioners
• Skilled communicators who dialogue across differences and engage with complexity

Acceptance is based on a combination of GPA, academic experience, strong letters of recommendation, environmental connection, community engagement experience and writing strength. We strive to build productive, cohesive, well-rounded cohorts of 8-10 students/year.