About The Program

The Interdisciplinary Program in the Environment at Loyola University New Orleans offers students the opportunity to engage in a broad and integrated study of the environment from a variety of academic viewpoints. As an interdisciplinary program, the curriculum represents courses from various colleges and departments that focus on understanding the relationships between humans and the natural world from biophysical, sociological, economic, literary, philosophical and religious perspectives.

At present, the Environment Program at Loyola University offers three majors and a minor. Students can pursue a B.S. in Environmental Science, with a concentration in the Biological Sciences, or a B.A. in Environmental Studies, with either a Humanities or Social Science concentration. Students can also pursue a minor in Environmental Studies. The curriculum in all degree programs is designed to provide students with a broad exposure to different perspectives on understanding environmental issues. At the same time, majors specialize within certain disciplines to enhance their knowledge and skills in ways that fully prepare them for graduate or professional schools and, ultimately, careers in their chosen environmental field.

In addition to classroom studies, significant opportunities exist for students to become involved in “hands-on” environmental activities through internships, student-faculty research projects, service-learning projects, field trips and on-campus student organizations. Students are also encouraged to broaden their educational experiences by taking advantage of numerous study-abroad opportunities.

Descriptions of the curricula and courses for the different degree options can be found in the undergraduate bulletin. Additional information about this program can be provided by contacting the Program Director, Dr. Francis Coolidge, Jr., fpcoolid@loyno.edu.

Our Facilities

As one of several interdisciplinary programs on campus, the Program in the Environment consists of various faculty that reside in different departments and colleges. Currently, over 20 faculty in 11 academic departments and 4 colleges participate in this program. Offices and research laboratories of the faculty in the Environment Program are located in various departments and buildings on campus. In addition, many faculty undertake field research at various off-campus locations, such as Jean Lafitte National Park, Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi River Delta Wildlife Refuge, and various locations along the Gulf Coast and elsewhere.

The main office of the Program’s director and staff is currently located in 350 Monroe Hall. Additional administrative and support staff are located in the College of Humanities and Natural Sciences, 202 Bobet Hall.