Undergraduate Programs


If you want to work with people to solve environmental problems — and not spend all your time in a research lab — the Environmental Studies degree program at The University of Toledo is for you.

Undergraduates in Environmental Studies study science. But they focus more on social sciences and humanities — everything from environmental politics and geography to economics. They take fewer advanced math and science courses than UToledo’s Environmental Science majors.

Toledo is an urban, port city with diverse ecosystems (wetlands, savannahs, woodlands) and a location near Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes and the 13th largest lake in the world. This perfect natural laboratory allows UToledo Environmental Studies majors to travel throughout the region and study how humans interact with the environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CONCENTRATIONS

UToledo undergraduates must choose a concentration in the humanities or social sciences. Geography and Planning is the most popular.

Top Reasons to Study Environmental Studies at UToledo

  1. A broad environmental education.
    Employers in this rapidly growing field want well-rounded employees who understand all facets of environmental issues. UToledo Environmental Studies students are uniquely qualified. They know the science, but they’ve also focused on liberal arts courses — environmental economics, geography, political science, philosophy and more.
  2. Learn by doing.
    Our focus is on getting your hands dirty in the field through:
    • Local and international field work. UToledo students study throughout the U.S., Canada, Trinidad, the Bahamas and Costa Rica. The Toledo area also is a rich, natural laboratory. It has unique, diverse, natural habitats and landforms, as well as agricultural, urban and natural ecosystems.
    • Research in plant ecology and physiology in our on-campus greenhouse, campus garden and nearby arboretum.
    • A required, 100-hour internship.
  3. The Lake Erie Center.
    UToledo is just 15 miles from western Lake Erie. Faculty and students study harmful algal blooms, water quality and more at this state-of-the-art research facility that offers:
    • Research vessels specially equipped for work right on the lake
    • Labs with the latest technology
    • Fine arts displays
    • Classrooms
  4. Creative programming.
    The Department of Environmental Sciences partners with other UToledo departments and colleges to offer minors in current topics like:
  5. Expert faculty.
    Our Environmental Sciences faculty members are active researchers and editors of international, scientific journals.
  6. Outstanding labs and facilities.
    Students use the latest expertise and tools, including drones, for field research at:

What jobs can I get with an Environmental Studies degree?

A UToledo bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies will give you the social science, humanities and science background you need for a successful career. Jobs in the field are growing faster than the national average.

Environmental Studies graduates are hired by:

  • Environmental consulting companies
  • Government – federal, state and local organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory agencies
  • Industries monitoring environmental quality
  • Others who value environmental expertise (urban and landscape planning, journalism and public-health agencies)
  • Private conservation organizations

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.

Internships

Environmental studies undergraduates complete 100-hour internships. Students earn credit while working on projects with a UToledo lab, government agency, nonprofit organization, private corporation or other approved sponsor.

Internships help you:

  • Gain practical experience
  • Build your resume
  • Refine your skills
  • Cultivate contacts

Research

UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.

99
undergraduates received research funding (2022)
21,000+
hours spent by undergraduates on research

Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:

  • Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
  • Help you find funding
  • Help you present your research at conferences and other events

Study Abroad

Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.

UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.

  • Semester at Sea
  • Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
  • Direct exchange programs with other universities
  • Teach English abroad
  • Global health program (med student clerkships)
  • Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)

Rocket Kids Semester

The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.

Learn more

On-campus and Part-time Jobs

  • Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
  • Build your resume.
  • Earn money.

If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.

Student Organizations

Our most successful students get involved.

UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:

  • Make friends.
  • Build your resume.
  • Network.
  • Be a leader.
  • Serve your community.
  • Have fun!

Tuition and Scholarships

Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.

Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.

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Tuition and Fees

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Room and Meal Plan


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per year

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Choose Ohio First scholarship

Ohio residents who have been accepted into this STEM program are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship — a four-year, renewable scholarship.

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Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Honors College

The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.

Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.

Honors students talking with an Honors professor on the steps of the Toledo Museum of Art

Benefits of Honors

The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.

Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or the historic McKinnon, Scott and Tucker Halls.

Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.

 

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: 11/16/23