Study the Environment. Think Globally. Act Locally.
Environmental challenges are among the most pressing of the 21st century—from climate change and biodiversity loss to urban sustainability and environmental justice. At Rhodes College, our Environmental Studies & Sciences Program prepares students to lead in this rapidly changing world with a combination of global perspective, local engagement, and hands-on experience.
Global Perspective, Real-World Experience
Our students don’t just study environmental issues—they experience them across the world. Rhodes encourages study abroad and international internships, and our students have explored environmental questions in:
- Costa Rica – Rainforest ecology
- Namibia – Desert conservation and African environmental policy
- South Africa & Bolivia – Sustainability and development issues
- Ecuador – Tropical Biology
A Unique Urban Ecosystem
What sets Rhodes apart? Our location. We're a small liberal arts college in the heart of Memphis—right on the Mississippi River, on the edge of the Delta, and atop the New Madrid Fault. It’s a one-of-a-kind intersection of natural and urban environments that provides incredible opportunities for student research on:
- Urban environmental challenges
- Brownfields and land use
- Environmental justice
- River ecosystems and geology
Interdisciplinary by Design
Environmental problems don’t stay in one academic lane, so neither do we.
- Our program spans 12 academic departments—from Biology and Chemistry to Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics.
- All majors explore environmental questions from scientific, social, and humanistic perspectives.
- Both majors require Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—a crucial and in-demand technical skill.
Internships, Research, & Real-World Learning
Rhodes students take what they learn and apply it through internships, fieldwork, and student-led research. Our Memphis partnerships include:
- Shelby Farms Park Conservancy – the largest urban park in the U.S.
- Memphis Zoo
- Wolf River Conservancy
- Project Green Fork, Bridges USA, and more
Students present their work at the Rhodes Symposium (end of spring semester) and at regional and national conferences.
Study Abroad & Field Courses
We encourage students to take their learning off campus with immersive experiences like:
- Namibia Field Course – Environmental Issues in Southern Africa
- Semester in Environmental Science at the Woods Hole Marine Biology lab in Massachusetts – Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis, Microbial Methods in Ecology.
- Global Environmental Challenges in Ecuador – Tropical Biology, Linking the Local to the Global, and Environment, Conservation & Policy Issues
Close Mentorship & Support
At Rhodes, you’ll never be just a number. Our students benefit from:
- One-on-one faculty mentorship
- Supportive classroom environments
- Personal guidance on internships, research, and career paths
- Strong letters of recommendation grounded in real relationships
We also offer travel grants for student research and conferences, and funding for environmental study abroad programs.
Ready to Join Us?
If you're curious about the world around you, passionate about making a difference, and ready to engage across disciplines, Rhodes Environmental Studies & Sciences might be the perfect fit.
Come explore, ask questions, get your hands dirty—and help build a more sustainable future.
