Environmental Studies is a multidisciplinary academic field focusing on solving some of the most complicated and challenging environmental problems and issues. Curricula in this field combine fundamental knowledge in Social Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth Sciences as a foundation within a hands-on applied quantitative and technical framework.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Accelerated Programs
Geospatial Data Analysis
Environmental Policy
The Center for Environmental Studies is a VCU Charter Center dedicated to geospatial and environmental research, education, and service. As a chartered center, our mission is to conduct research, perform services, and produce practitioners of evidence-based science as it relates to the interaction of life, earth, and policy sciences. As an academic unit, we have designed our curriculum from the ground up to provide you with the combination of knowledge, skills, and experiences that makes you competitive in the marketplace.
We believe that the learning experience is based upon solving real-world problems, integrating economic, political, biological, and ecological interactions in solutions that benefit human society.
Academic Advising
Undergraduate Programs
Academic advising for undergraduate programs, minors, certificates, and the M.Envs accelerated program are handled by Ms. Lindsay Freeman.
Graduate Programs
Advising for the graduate programs in Environmental Studies are handled by Dr. Lesley Bulluck, Director of Graduate Programs in Environmental Studies.
News & Research
ENVS faculty shared about their hands on classes that make use of VCU’s ‘river campus’
It’s Earth Science Week. Explore how VCU’s ‘river campus’ prepares students for careers in earth sciences. By Catherine Brown Office of Development and Alumni Relations The Chickahominy Tribe lived there thousands of years ago. Europeans settled there several hundred years ago. Soldiers hunkered down there during the Civil War. YMCA campers learned essential outdoor skills […]
Program Innovation: Smart Boxes Feed Food-Insecure Students
Virginia Commonwealth University rolled out optimized miniature food pantries to provide free and accessible food items across campus. By Ashley Mowreader Across Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richmond and Monroe Park campuses, there are a dozen small magazine distribution boxes perched inside facilities, filled with a variety of dry goods. These mini food pantries have a simple […]
Busy trip to East Africa finally brings study abroad dream to fruition for VCU undergrad
Read about ENVS minor Alita Whalen’s study abroad experience By Amelia Heymann Ailita Whalen spent more than three weeks this summer as a teaching assistant in East Africa, and for the senior at Virginia Commonwealth University, the experience was a long time coming. Whalen, who is majoring in international studies in the School of World Studies and […]
Mural by VCUarts student reveals the invisible danger of heat island effect
Read about Sirena Pearl’s project, partly inspired by her experience in ENVS 311 Politics of the Environment with Dr. Cliff Fox By Leila Ugincius Entering Richmond during the height of August heat often feels like jumping from the flame directly into the inferno. Why in blazes is the city so hot? Richmond, like most cities, […]
Virginia Commonwealth University leads nation in Students to Receive National River Studies & Leadership Certificate
Program Propels 17 Students into River Management, Science and Stewardship Careers TAKOMA PARK, MD, June 20 – Seven Virginia Commonwealth University students have receive the national River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC) from the River Management Society (RMS). This unique program gives university students the foundation of knowledge and experience required to pursue river-related careers. […]
WIden Your Lens and Capture the Moment
Studying abroad is a perfect way to introduce yourself to international travel and unique experiences. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and the adventure I had that will stick with me forever. I did not even consider studying abroad until October 2022, only a few months before I left for […]