The Environmental Studies Program requires that all majors participate in an experiential learning opportunity before graduating. The most standard ways to satisfy this requirement are to conduct supervised, independent research on an environmental topic with UR faculty (ENVR320, ENVR406, or an approved equivalent course from another department), or participate in an approved environmental internship off-campus and complete ENVR388 during the fall semester.
Each year the Department of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Program, and Global Studies Program partner to bring noteworthy speakers and scholars to Richmond to present lectures related to our global environment. All events are free and open to the public.
We are pleased to recognize our 2025 winners for the Christopher L. Stephenson Award for Excellence in Environmental Studies:
Rowan Keller and Laneah Gordon
For goal-oriented students who are dedicated to earning at least a master's degree in environmental studies or forestry, the University of Richmond offers dual degree programs with Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. For the Dual Degree program, students complete three years at Richmond and then two years at Duke; at the end of their fourth year, they receive their undergraduate degree from Richmond and at the end of their fifth year, they receive their master's degree from Duke.
We have cooperative agreements with Duke University’s Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina, and the Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Environmental Science (MBL SES) program in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Additional opportunities for off-campus research include the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), which connects students with environmental research projects in the natural and social sciences.
Carrie Wu was promoted to professor of biology. Her research investigates the mechanisms of adaptive differentiation and speciation and examines how environmental variation influences phenotypic and genetic variation among natural plant populations.
Stephanie Spera was promoted to associate professor of geography, environment, & sustainability. Her research seeks to understand landscape-level human-environment feedbacks regarding social, economic, and environmental drivers and consequences.
Carrie Wu, professor of biology, published "Effects of experimental warming on floral scent, display, and rewards in two subalpine herbs" in Annals of Botany.
Richmond has once again been named to The Princeton Review’s list of “Best Value Colleges” for 2025. Richmond has been included on this list since 2013.
Geography, environment, and sustainability professor Stephanie Spera is quoted.
Geography, environment, and sustainability professor Stephanie Spera is quoted.
Todd Lookingbill, professor of geography, environment, & sustainability, is quoted.
A community partnership between the University of Richmond and Southside ReLeaf is highlighted.
Mailing address:
Environmental Studies Program
Carole Weinstein International Center, Room 307
211 Richmond Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173
Phone: (804) 484-1473
Fax: (804) 484-1577
Program Coordinator: Todd Lookingbill
Academic Administrative Specialist: Nancy Propst