Experiences outside the classroom are crucial for undergraduates in environmental programs, offering significant benefits that enhance both their educational journey and future career prospects. These experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects, internships, fieldwork, and service learning, play a pivotal role in developing a sense of belonging among students and fostering a deep understanding of environmental issues and developing practical skills. Such experiences are integral to the development of knowledgeable, skilled, and engaged environmental professionals, equipping undergraduates with the tools they need to drive positive change in the world
Starting in Fall 2024, ENVP will be launching a new program to enhance the educational experience and foster a sense of community. We have selected Not the End of World by Dr. Hannah Ritchie, for all incoming students to read, providing a shared foundation for discussion and learning across disciplines. This book will anchor our program and student dialogues for the year with the intention to engage all students in a common intellectual experience, create a sense of community and belonging, and encourage interaction and connection among students, faculty, and staff.
The Environmental Programs encourage students to participate in undergraduate research across a variety of disciplines. Some students choose to earn academic credit (GEOS 491) for their research experiences. If you are interested in undergraduate research, schedule an appointment with the ENVP advisor to discuss the process finding research opportunities and obtaining credit. Learn more about undergraduate research and the new programs to enable more students to participate in the research enterprise, including the Undergraduate Research Fellowship and Student Enhancement Grant.
Senior-level Environmental Programs students take a Capstone course, GEOS 405, which is designed to bring previous coursework together into a final research project. Students present their research projects at a poster session that is judged by faculty and former students in the environmental industry.
Environmental Programs students take the Cornerstone course early in their academic careers. This course is designed to teach students scientific communication, but also career development and planning.
Internships are an excellent way to gain work experience in your desired career field and earn academic credit at the same time. For example, we created a curated internship opportunity with the Texas Water Resources Institute, which has been working with our students for several semesters. Our students regularly land internships with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality every summer.
The Environmental Programs offer up to 6 hours of internship academic credit (GEOG 484) for approved internships. Internship requirements and report submission instructions for GEOG 484 class credit can be found here. If you are interested in interning in the environmental field, schedule an appointment with the ENVP advisor to discuss the process for obtaining an internship and credit.
Click the link below to view a helpful internship search resource
The Environmental Programs faculty and staff are extremely supportive of students who wish to enhance their undergraduate experience by studying abroad. Our students have studied abroad in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Turks and Caicos, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, China, Barbados, and many other locations. If you are a current or prospective Environmental Programs student interested in adding a Study Abroad program to your degree plan, schedule an appointment with the ENVP Academic Advisor. You can also explore different options for learning experiences abroad through the TAMU Study Abroad Office.
ENVP is sponsoring a new study abroad opportunity for Summer 2025 that explores urban environmental sustainability in Germany (Berlin) and Sweden (Gävle and Stockholm). For more information about this opportunity, visit the Study Abroad Program Brochure.
Our students have organized and led several student organizations on campus. The Environmental Programs Involvement Committee (EPIC) offers our students the chance to promote awareness of the Environmental Programs majors while providing a social network that raises awareness and encourages involvement in dealing with environmental concerns.