Environmental Science, Policy, & Sustainability
Exploring the dynamic interactions between people and natural systems.
Environmental Science, Policy, & Sustainability Programs
Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability is the investigation and body of knowledge related to the dynamic interactions between people and natural systems. At SOU, the Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability program provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of the complexity of natural systems, natural resource use and sustainability enabling students to appreciate and solve dynamic environmental issues. In the Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability program, students research and address such global issues as climate change, water resource management, energy use, sustainable development, and the conservation of biodiversity.
Check out the SOU Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability Program student testimonial video here on YouTube.
Visit our YouTube Channel playlist for more SOU academic program testimonial videos.
Undergraduate Degrees
Academic Minors
Certificate Programs
Micro-Credentials
Learn more about SOU Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability Programs:
SOU Environmental Science and Policy
Watch: Fire Ecology
Community engagement and local problem solving is an essential part of the Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability (ESPS) program at Southern Oregon University. Students in the ESPS program get to work closely with professionals in many of their regular courses, and through completing an internship and capstone. This video showcases one of the many examples of how ESPS students, working on their capstone, are partnering with local professionals to document and understand local environmental challenges, and identifying opportunities to do better in the future.
Sustainability at SOU
Southern Oregon University is committed to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and research that advances our understanding of local, regional, and global environmental issues.
Student Engagement: Student leadership is an important part of what makes SOU a wonderful place to live and study. With staff and faculty support, students at SOU manage and operate a wide range of student resources including outdoor adventure programming, community gardens, film screenings, bicycle services, an organic farm, and more. Learn more about Student Engagement.
Sustainable Operations: Southern Oregon University has been nationally recognized for our commitment to operational sustainability. SOU was recently honored with the Best Case Study Award by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, was the first university in the nation to certify as a Bee Campus USA, and now boasts LEED Gold campus housing. Learn more about Sustainable Operations.
Our Environment: Southern Oregon University is situated between the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain Ranges. With mild winters and warm dry summers, the Rogue Valley is an outdoor wonderland in all seasons. The picturesque campus is within walking distance of extensive trail systems for hikers and bikers and several world-class whitewater rivers are only a short drive from Ashland. Learn more about Our Environment.
SOU established this institute to bring together scholars and practitioners to advance knowledge, lead, and collaborate to create solutions for a beautiful future.
What SOU Environmental Science Students are Saying
Southern Oregon University offered me more than just a quality education. It gave me the ability to hone my leadership skills, discover my passions, speak at national conferences, and plan large scale events all centered around sustainability and the ecology. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend SOU.
Contact Environmental Science
Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6802
– Questions About Environmental Science? –