Why Choose NIU Environmental Studies?

The Degree is Interdisciplinary and Innovative

• Brings together faculty and staff from across departments to instruct ENVS courses.
• Offers both a B.A. and B.S. degree, as well as minors and teacher certification programs.
• There are six emphasis pathways to better specialize the knowledge gained by students with different environmental interests.
• Program partners with other departments to offer certificate programs.
  • Examples: Sustainable Food Systems, GIS and Social Entrepreneurship.

The Program Engages Students and Cultivates Close Networks

• Six core courses that all students must complete, thus forging lasting relationships with other ENVS students.
• Department hosts: seminars, speaker series, faculty research presentations.
• Department issues a newsletter to students that keeps them aware of internship, career, volunteer and travel opportunities.
  • These also include new NIU courses and summer work programs.

The Department Encourages Student Involvement and Community Service

• The program encourages students to join environmental student organizations.
  • ENVS collaborates with the student organizations to host events/activities.
  • Many ENVS classes actively require students to engage in community service.
• Many different volunteer opportunities on-campus and throughout DeKalb community.

NIU ENVS Provides Practical Skills Training and Real-World Experience

• ENVS requires that students complete at least one engaged-learning experience.
  • Many internships are community-based.
• Offers employment and volunteer opportunities.
• Opportunities to get involved with faculty-led research.
  • Many of these research opportunities are paid.
• There are many opportunities to travel across the country for environmental research trips.
  • Many of these trips are paired with the Study Abroad program for international trips.
    • Example: Tanzania research trip.

Location and Position in the Region

• NIU is located close to Chicago and has access to its resources.
  • Only an hour drive to the city.
  • Partnerships with Chicago-based universities.
  • Internships with Chicago-based universities and scientific centers.
  • Field trip/learning experiences based in Chicago.
    • Example: The Plant field trip for ENVS 303.
• NIU has partnerships with national scientific laboratories in the region.
  • Argonne Labs
  • FermiLab
    • These locations offer students training.
• There are a multitude of natural areas and parks in close proximity to campus.
  • Small, independent organic farms (Example: Heritage Prairie Farm).
  • Forest preserves and wildlife habitats (Example: Afton Forest Preserve).
  • Wildlife Restoration Areas (Example: Nachusa Grasslands - part of the Nature Conservancy).