Environment and Sustainability Studies

Tackling environmental challenges is not just about science or engineering; it is also about people, values, policies and tradeoffs. The Environmental and Sustainable Studies minor at Colorado School of Mines helps you see the bigger picture and connect your technical skills to real-world impact.

Offered through the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences department, this minor pairs perfectly with engineering and science majors. It gives you the context to understand how solutions are designed, implemented and experienced by communities.

If you are curious about how engineering and science decisions affect people and the planet, this minor is for you. You will learn how to think ahead, weigh long-term consequences, consider ethical responsibilities and engage with different perspectives. Employers in both industry and public service desire students who can combine technical expertise with social and environmental awareness, skills that make you stand out in the job market.

Program Overview

The Environmental and Sustainable Studies minor blends humanities, social sciences and applied analysis to help you examine how societies interact with natural systems. You will explore topics such as environmental ethics, policy, history and social systems, building skills in critical thinking, writing and analysis.

This minor is designed to work alongside a rigorous technical bachelor’s degree. You will strengthen your ability to communicate complex ideas, evaluate tradeoffs and understand how technical work fits into broader social systems. When you graduate, you will be better prepared to contribute thoughtful, well-rounded perspectives in technical teams and leadership settings.

Program Options

The minor explores environmental and sustainability issues from both technical and human perspectives, connecting engineering and science to social, cultural and policy contexts.

You can choose between the full minor or a shorter focused option depending on interests.

The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing electives from Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and other departments to tailor the minor to your goals.