Hug Commons, LSRC

EN Major General Information

Preserving and protecting the environment for this generation and generations to come represents a central challenge to the nation and to the world. The wisdom of society's management of the environment depends heavily upon its collective understanding of the complex interactions of ecological systems, its comprehension of both the potentials and limits of technology, and its appreciation of the real costs and benefits of policy decisions.

Environmental issues require an understanding of the principles of ecological and physical systems; of the cultural, social, economic and political forces acting on those systems; and of the management, planning, and engineering protocols necessary to meet environmental challenges and opportunities. Environmental problem solving requires a well-trained cadre of scientists, researchers, resource managers, planners, policy makers, and other specialists who possess the ability to think across traditional boundaries. To help meet these challenges, Duke University offers undergraduate majors in Environmental Sciences and Policy and Environmental Sciences. This program is unique among environmental majors in American colleges and universities. Highly interdisciplinary, the program draws upon Duke's strengths as one of the nation's top-ranked liberal arts institutions. More than 100 Duke professors in 20 cooperating departments and schools teach courses approved for the major. Faculty members in the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences serve as Directors of Undergraduate Studies for both major programs.

Two major programs are offered within the EN department. The Environmental Sciences and Policy major is designed for students interested in the interdisciplinary study of environmental issues and leads to a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree. The Environmental Sciences major is designed for students wishing to focus on the scientific perspective of environmental issues and leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Follow the links to learn more about the A.B. and B.S. degrees.

How to Become an EN Major

First, you should develop a tentative long-range academic study plan and declare your major in the Pre-Major Advising Center. This is usually done during the sophomore year. We recommend strongly that you speak with one of the PMAC advisors directly involved in the EN Program or with the Director of Undergraduate Programs at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences.

Second, come to the EN Program Office. Here you will fill out a "Major's Worksheet" and be assigned a faculty advisor. We will try to assign an advisor whose interests match your own. If you have a preference, please let us know.

Third, you should meet with your advisor to refine your study plan for the EN major. Your proposed plan must include the co-requisites and required courses, and emphasize the connections among courses around the theme you have selected.

Fourth, you should write a Focused Study essay and list of Focused Study courses as a basis for discussion with your advisor. The Focused Study requirements differ between degree programs. For specific information, please see the A.B. and B.S. degree Focused Study requirements.