- Gain an edge with undergraduate research
- Be challenged by a rigorous curriculum
- Learn from award-winning professors
- Work in state-of-the-art facilities
Converse’s Environmental Studies program explores the connection between living things and their environment. Our environmental studies minor introduces students to the functions of the environment in which they live and the interplay between human activities and the environment.
The minor in environmental studies includes courses that span traditional boundaries, giving students multiple lenses through which to study the environment, better equipping them to address real-world problems.
Degree Offered
- Environmental Studies minor
Related Program
About Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is the science of the interaction between humans and the environment. An interdisciplinary field, environmental studies involves interconnections between ecology, economics, geography, geology, meteorology, politics and sociology. As an environmental studies student, you will explore the structure and function of the world and our connection to it.
Travel

As an Environmental Studies minor, you can participate in study-travel programs to explore the diversity and complexity of organisms and their natural habitat both abroad and in the country. Our study-travel students have been to:
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Galapagos Islands
- Spain
- The American Southwest
Students experienced the rainforests of Costa Rica while studying the biological diversity, ecology, and environmental science of Costa Rica with Dr. Doug Jensen. Activities included hiking in the rainforests, zip lining through the forest canopy, sea kayaking, and watching howler monkeys. Students also volunteered at a local school and learned to prepare Costa Rican foods.
Class Excursions
As part of the Environmental Studies curriculum, you will journey to local and regional habitats to examine plants, animals and ecosystems. You will learn to identify and observe organisms and their functions in their natural habitats.
Research
Participation in scientific research is an invaluable way for you to experience first-hand how scientists learn about the world. Working independently or side-by-side with faculty mentors, our students perform research, much of which is presented at state, regional, and national conferences, often winning awards.
In fact, Converse is a leader in the state in the number of student/faculty research proposals funded by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) consortium. Some of our student research topics include:
- Methods of controlling an invasive plant species
- Upper Cretaceous Plant diversity of South Carolina (70 million years ago)
- Cellular and molecular responses of plants to stress
- Evaluation of genetic damage caused by pesticides in mammalian systems
- Evaluation of the prevalence of liver flukes in South Carolina deer populations
- Effectiveness of food additives at reducing cancerous growth

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field and the courses taught at Converse reflect its diversity. Through the Environmental Studies minor, you will learn information and take courses that span biology, chemistry, economics, politics and sociology. As an environmental studies student, you will learn how the choices you make affect your own health and that of the environment around you. Additionally, our coursework will provide you practical experience through an internship or research program.
The Environmental Studies minor complements nearly any major at Converse, from Economics, to Biology, to Creative Writing. Knowledge and perspective about issues and concepts of our natural world will be helpful to you in the career of your choice!
Sample Courses
- Ecology
- Environmental Chemistry
- World Geography
- Hazardous Waste and Public Policy
- Environmental History
View the Environmental Studies Minor requirements.
Department Stories
Eight Grants Funded for 2023 SCICU Student/Faculty Research
Congratulations to Converse’s recipients of the 2023 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Faculty Sponsored Undergraduate Research. This grant funding opportunity supports undergraduate students who attend a SCICU member …
Converse Celebrates High-Impact Experiential Learning at 2023 RISE Symposium
Converse held its second annual RISE Symposium during the week of April 10, 2023. Open to all undergraduate, graduate and Converse II students, the RISE symposium empowers students to share …
Converse Receives $10K Recycling Grant from DHEC
Converse University recently received a $10,000 Collegiate Recycling Grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to expand upon its existing recycling and sustainability programs. The Collegiate …
Programs of Study
Converse offers over 100 majors, minors, certificates, and graduate programs across 2 campuses and online.