I'm interested in studying environmental science in college and want to know which US schools have the best programs for this major. Does anyone have recommendations for where I should apply if I want a really strong program?
Sure, I'm happy to provide some suggestions for top US colleges for studying Environmental Science. Keep in mind a school's department ranking isn't everything, but a strong department can provide more resources, like research opportunities and money for facilities.
Stanford University is renowned for Environmental Science due to its unique access to various ecosystems for field studies.
Yale University offers a top-notch Environmental Studies program with resources like the Yale School of the Environment.
University of California, Berkeley (referred to as Cal) is also known for its Environmental Sciences and offers combined majors to allow students to explore different aspects of environmental research and policy.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has an interdisciplinary Environmental Science program that incorporates social science, engineering, and natural sciences.
Columbia University's Earth and Environmental Science program is another excellent program to consider and benefits from being part of the larger Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
University of Michigan has a well-facilitated and diverse Environment and Sustainability undergraduate program where you can specialize in areas ranging from environmental policy, justice to ecosystems, etc.
Duke University also has a robust environmental science program, with research opportunities and strong faculty in the Nicholas School of the Environment.
Keep in mind that while these schools have highly-ranked programs, fit and other factors like financial aid, size, and location are also important. It can be worth looking into the resources and offerings of each program to see what aligns best with your interests. Always strive for a balance between your academic and personal preferences when building out your college list.
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