In July 2025, SEES combined the departments of geographical and sustainability sciences and Earth and environmental sciences with the environmental sciences program. Now, SEES undergraduate students can explore majors in Earth and environmental science, geographical and sustainability science, and environmental policy and planning, while SEES graduate students can study geography or geoscience. “We really wanted to have one place, one door, where students who were interested in studying the environment and sustainability could come in,” says Emily Finzel, the department executive officer of SEES.

Under one roof, the interdisciplinary programs can better collaborate on research and equip students for meaningful careers that address today’s complex environmental challenges. Training includes hands-on courses, research, and opportunities for fieldwork both on campus at Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory and around the world.