Johns Hopkins University

Overview

The Environmental Science and Studies program at Johns Hopkins University equips students with a robust scientific foundation and social-science insights to tackle environmental challenges. This interdisciplinary approach encourages the design of practical solutions for pressing ecological issues.

In addition to theoretical coursework, students engage in an Applied Experience, consisting of at least 80 hours of hands-on work, and complete a Senior Capstone/Senior Seminar to bridge academic learning with real-world environmental applications.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured to integrate core environmental topics with essential quantitative and research training, along with experiential learning opportunities tailored to the program.

• Core environmental and sustainability coursework: Topics include global environmental change and sustainability.
• Foundations in science and quantitative skills: Courses such as chemistry, biology, calculus, and statistics.
• Economics and decision-making: Focus on microeconomics and other economic principles.
• Environmental systems and applied tools: Subjects cover ecology, the water-energy-food nexus, environmental policy, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Research methods: Training in social science research methodologies.

Experiential and capstone components

• Applied Experience: A minimum of 80 hours of relevant work, which can be through internships, volunteer roles, or employment.
• Senior Capstone: A project undertaken in the final year, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.
• Senior Seminar: Offered concurrently with the Senior Capstone, this course facilitates reflection on experiences and exploration of career paths in collaboration with faculty and Life Design Educators.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and involves a holistic review of the application, which includes standardized testing. Specific GRE or GMAT requirements are not detailed. It is advisable for prospective students to prepare a comprehensive application that showcases their academic readiness and potential.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Environmental Science and Studies program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in environmental policy, sustainability consulting, conservation, and research. The combination of scientific knowledge and practical experience positions them for success in addressing today's complex environmental challenges across multiple sectors.