Environmental Studies

Environmental studies starts from the realization that human societies and the natural environment are inseparable, and that responsible stewardship requires exploring questions from many angles. 

Here are a few:  

• Scientific: What are the geophysical, ecological, and biological effects of human activities at different scales?
• Social, political and economic:  Who bears the costs of resource extraction and pollution? Who benefits? Who decides?
• Historical: How have past patterns of land, water, and energy use shaped current challenges and opportunities?
• Philosophical and Moral: What are the right and wrong ways of acting in and towards nature?   How do we balance our obligations to ourselves, to future generations and to the more than human world?
• Rhetorical: How can we translate scientific information into language that will create positive change?  How do we stop disinformation?
• Business & Government:  What are the barriers to sustainable development, and how can corporate and government action remove them?

What makes Butler a unique and exceptional place to do environmental studies?

• Strong science: Butler’s exceptional biology and chemistry programs allow environmental studies majors to gain a scientific understanding of our environment.  Many environmental studies students add a minor or second major in a complementary science.
• A foundation in science, technology & society (STS): Environmental Studies students take at least two courses in STS. Developing a sustainable relationship to our environment requires scientific inquiry and technological innovation, so using STS frameworks to understand these processes gives our students an edge.
• The Butler farm: Butler has an urban farm which serves as a community resource and a center for scientific research. Many of our students do research or internships on the farm.
• Local and international opportunities:  Our location in Indianapolis gives students opportunities to engage in internships and other partnerships with government, non-profits, and with the Indianapolis Zoo, an international leader in conservation.  Our students have opportunities for short-term and semester-long study abroad that explore environmental topics
• Student engagement:  Our students are leaders in campus and community efforts to improve our environment.  Our EcoReps student group and our Office of Sustainability provide many ways for you to get involved.
• Career Success: Our students have a track record of finding meaningful work in business, government and the non-profit sector, and of moving on to quality graduate and professional programs. Our flexible curriculum allows students to choose electives and to combine with other majors or minors in a way that will play to their strengths and maximize opportunities.