Our students don’t just learn, they apply their knowledge to communities. From service learning in introductory classes to consulting projects in our capstones, Environmental Studies students receive authentic, hands-on experiences throughout their degree. The program requires at least 2 credits of individualized and formal experiential learning for graduation.
The Student Experience
Sheena completed three internships as part of her Environmental Studies degree, working as a Teaching Assistant, a Wastewater intern at the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and a a Research Assistant in a lab where she visualizes glacier dynamics and estimates iceberg melt rates.
Internships
Environmental Studies majors are required to complete one, two-credit internship experience during their academic career. Internship help is available through SPS Internship Coordinator Mari Rice:Â maririce@boisestate.edu. Use Handshake or Mari’s weekly Environmental Studies Canvas announcements to help you find an internship. Plus, use the Internship Process link on this page to find SPS’ internship application process. Examples of past internship sites include City of Boise Climate Action, Boise Urban Garden School and Foothills Learning Center.
Andrus Scholars Program
Boise State’s Andrus Center for Public Policy provides sponsored internships with federal, state, nonprofit, or other mission-centered business enterprises that provide undergraduate Boise State environmentally focused students with meaningful work experience.
Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)
The world need students with diverse skills, interests, talents, and majors. You don’t have to already be an expert to join a team.
To get started, view project info at the following link and then complete this inquiry form and you will be contacted by the faculty to learn more about the project. Need help finding the right project? Contact us.
Field School
One of the best ways to get familiar with environmental issues and is through an immersive learning experience, either in the summer or a semester. Examine endangered species policy while backpacking in Montana, learn applied biology while snorkeling in Belize or acquire outdoor education techniques in McCall. Additionally, each summer, Boise State’s Zena Creek Field School provides on-site, intensive field learning for undergraduate and graduate students across environmental disciplines.
Service Learning
Service learning gives students opportunities to develop practical knowledge about local environmental issues, network/gain job skills with local agencies and have a real-life context to translate academic course concepts. Several of our courses have integrated service learning components and students gain hands-on experience working alongside local community partners. Some recent partners have included the City of Boise, Golden Eagle Audubon, Boise Art Museum, Fish and Game, Bogus Basin SnowSchool, Boise School District, and the Intermountain Bird Observatory.