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Study Abroad for Environmental Sciences Majors

Can I study abroad as an Environmental Sciences major?

Yes! Environmental Sciences majors can and do study abroad during their time at Northwestern. 

Student Perspective

Tara Krantz, WCAS (Environmental Sciences, Spanish) '21

"Thanks to Northwestern Study Abroad, I found myself in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon birding at 5 in the morning, chasing monkeys at noon, and swimming in the river in the afternoon. I would have never had such a unique academic experience that focused on environmental and ecological issues without [the SIT Study Abroad Ecuador: Comparative Ecology & Conservation Program] and GLO."

When can I study abroad as an Environmental Sciences major?

Environmental Sciences majors must complete various Foundation Courses in science, mathematics, and social science, which are best completed at Northwestern prior to study abroad. It is also highly recommended that you complete one or more of the three Core Courses prior to study abroad.

Most Northwestern students choose to study abroad during the Fall Quarter of their third year, but you may prefer to study abroad during the summer or at another point in your Northwestern career. Course sequences, laboratory or other research commitments, and/or pursuit of Honors in Environmental Sciences could influence which term(s) work best for you to study abroad.

Also, you will want to make sure to plan study abroad around other off-campus opportunities.

What classes can I take abroad?

 Many study abroad programs for Environmental Sciences majors include opportunities to pursue environmental fieldwork, study linkages between humans and the environment, and/or take courses in environmental biology, ecology, conservation, environmental studies, or related disciplines.

You can apply up to two study abroad courses toward the Environmental Sciences major (Science Track or Policy Track), subject to approval by the Director of the Program in Environmental Sciences.

You can also take courses to help fulfill other degree requirements, learn or improve on a language, or just to take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new that is not offered at Northwestern.

Read more about academic planning and choosing courses abroad on the GLO website.

What type of credit can I get from study abroad?

You are encouraged to schedule an advising meeting with Professor Beddows, the Director of the Program in Environmental Sciences, during the application process to get advising about your study abroad course plans, rules and policies for earning major credit, and remaining degree requirements.

If you intend to articulate courses into the major, you must identify the courses you intend to take and collect syllabi and/or electronic course information prior to your meeting with the Program Director. The Program Director will examine the content, focus, and rigor of the courses and determine if the courses apply to the science list or policy list.

Please remember: only two study abroad courses can be articulated into the major, and all approval is conditional until students return with syllabi, notes, exams, and other material for the Program Director’s review. 

Your academic advisers can help you identify what distribution requirements or major credit could be best taken abroad and your GLO adviser can help you identify programs that offer these types of credit.

Suggested Programs for Environmental Sciences Majors

Interested in other programs or other types of credit? Search for more study abroad options.

Next Steps

Unsure where to start? Check out the Get Started page for some helpful next steps.

We also encourage you to meet with your Environmental Sciences major adviser to discuss your academic course plan and with a GLO adviser to learn more about the programs you're considering.