Explore the connections between people, ecosystems and the changing planet
Come join an interdisciplinary, innovative team of award-winning professors and students who are working together to address today’s environmental challenges through three lenses: science, policy and the humanities. You will work hands-on in small classes and in the field. You will have opportunities for internships and original research with faculty. We get dirty, think big and work with campus and community partners to conserve native species, improve habitats and reduce waste and pollution.
Curious whether this program is the right fit?
Share a little about yourself through our information request form to connect with an admission counselor and get answers about the environmental studies program.
What You Can Expect
Interdisciplinary study of environmental systems
Learn how ecological, geological, chemical and social processes interact to shape the natural world. Coursework helps you understand environmental issues from multiple scientific and humanistic perspectives.
Hands‑on fieldwork and applied environmental analysis
Engage in field studies, lab work and community‑based projects that connect classroom learning to real environmental challenges. You gain experience collecting data, evaluating evidence and interpreting environmental conditions.
Exploration of environmental policy, ethics and sustainability
Study how societies make decisions about land, water, energy and conservation. You examine environmental justice, cultural perspectives and the ethical dimensions of sustainability.
Why study Environmental Studies at Linfield?
Environmental Studies at Linfield emphasizes learning that is both rigorous and deeply connected to place. Oregon’s diverse landscapes serve as living laboratories where students investigate forests, rivers, coastlines and agricultural systems. Faculty mentorship supports individualized research interests, whether scientific, policy‑focused or community‑based. The program’s interdisciplinary structure encourages collaboration across departments, fostering a broad understanding of environmental issues and the tools needed to address them. This approach cultivates analytical thinking, evidence‑based reasoning and a commitment to meaningful environmental engagement.
Accolades & Rankings
#1 College in Oregon
- TIME Magazine
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Social Mobility
- U.S. News and World Report
#1 Best Value College in Oregon
- Niche
Environmental Studies Career Outlook
An environmental studies degree can open doors for your career
Through 2035, environmental science-related occupations are expected to grow by 6%*. In 2025, the median annual wage for environmental scientists was $82,220, exceeding the national average of $50,980. While your income heavily depends on where you live, your level of education and the depth of your experience, enriching your expertise can help support your career growth and financial stability.
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You will leave prepared for a career in areas such as:
Environmental Science:
- Research Scientist
- Field Biologist
- Laboratory Technician
- Restoration Ecologist
- Environmental Consultant
Environmental Policy:
- Policy Analyst
- Regulatory Compliance Specialist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Lobbyist/Advocate
- Natural Resources Manager
Environmental Humanities:
- Environmental Journalist
- Community Organizer
- Sustainability Officer
- Outreach Coordinator
- Environmental Educator
Intern in areas of environmental studies
Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and further develop your professional skills. Many students in environmental studies at Linfield have completed internships with local or Portland area companies or nonprofits.
Some companies where environmental studies majors at Linfield have found internship placements include:
- Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC)
- Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District (YSWCD)
- Yamhill County GIS
- OASIS (Chapul Farms)
- Outdoor Education Adventures (OEA) summer internship
- Linfield ENVS field research assistant
In addition, the environmental studies department has permanent internships set up with the Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC) that include:
- Water quality analysis
- Fish counting
- Educational outreach
What financial assistance is available?
Financing your college education can feel like a lot to manage, but 喵咪社区 is here to help make the process clearer and more manageable. Linfield’s Financial Aid Office offers personalized guidance from experienced counselors who can help you understand your options, plan ahead, navigate the and answer any questions along the way.
You can also plan ahead by estimating your cost of attendance using Linfield’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
喵咪社区 offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of college. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for many Linfield scholarships. Additional scholarships are available based on academic interests, achievements, life experiences and personal background.
Learn more about available scholarships on Linfield’s Scholarships page.
Request more information
Have questions about environmental studies at Linfield? Reach out! We'd love to connect with you.