Environmental Studies
AS Degree
La Plata Campus|Leonardtown Campus|Prince Frederick Campus
A century of unparalleled human progress has connected people around the globe in ways our forebears couldn’t have dreamed, but the environmental effects of our decisions are seen and felt locally and globally, in the immediate present and for years—even centuries—to come.
The Environmental Studies, AS program at CSM equips graduates for a career working toward ecological literacy and sustainability. Students develop a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and familiarity with current environmental concerns, including climate change, biodiversity, water pollution, deforestation, and air pollution.
The course of study for students enrolled in the program prepares graduates to expand and deepen their expertise in a broad range of disciplines, such as natural sciences, environmental design, pre-law, and environmental policy. Primarily directed toward students seeking a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or a related field, the program is intended to fulfill the first two years of undergraduate study and ensure a successful transfer to a four-year college or university.
View Program Requirements in the Catalog:
Environmental Studies, AS
Hands-On Internship Opportunities
E2C3 program with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science-Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (UMCES-CBL)
E2C3 is a collaboration between the College of Southern Maryland and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science-Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (UMCES-CBL). Through this program, students can apply for a paid internship at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, MD. In addition to acquiring experience in cutting-edge research early in their college careers, E2C3 students form invaluable relationships with professors, mentors, graduate students, and all segments of an integrated research team.
Learn More About E2C3
Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL)
Some students have pursued summer internships at the Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL). The Internship Program at the PEARL offers undergraduate and recently graduated college students unique hands-on experiences in an environmental research setting. Interns will gain first-hand experience and knowledge of field and laboratory research and project design. During the internship, each student will develop a research project under the guidance and supervision of a PEARL faculty research scientist, and present the findings in a mini-symposium at the end of the summer.
Learn More About the PEARL Internship Program
Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program
The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program (Corps) increases access and opportunities to green careers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed by placing young adults (18-25) with nonprofits and government agencies for a one-year term of stipend-supported service. The Corps serves as a bridge into the environmental career field by providing experience working at an organization, leadership and professional development training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a support system with other young professionals.
Potential organizations that Corps Members could work for include:
- Federal agencies (US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, US Geological Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration);
- State agencies (MD Dept of Natural Resources, MD Dept of the Environment, Maryland Environmental Services, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission);
County agencies (Howard County Office of Sustainability, City of Greenbelt Department of Public Works);
- Large nonprofits (National Aquarium, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation); and
- Local nonprofits (ShoreRivers, Chesapeake Conservancy, Nature Forward, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay).
Corps Members are engaged in a wide range of activities in the fields of climate change, environmental restoration, environmental education, forestry, sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and community engagement.
Learn More About the Corps
Featured Faculty
Associate Professor, Environmental Studies Program Coordinator
"...at its best, the experience of doing science and sharing what we learn from it can hopefully generate a greater sense of compassion, connection, and humility in the face of the unknown. I've learned to never fear trying out something that is new to you. Always accept the challenge, because the outcomes really can be some of the most wonderful things that you'll ever experience."
Rachael Bateman
Environmental Studies Program Coordinator
Associate Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
Dr. Melanie Osterhouse, Science Department Chair
"Being in the community, we know the community and the community’s needs. We are well networked for students to get internships. We have partnerships with organizations like Farming4Hunger to meet the physical needs of students. We also have small class sizes to help know our individual students and meet their individual needs."
Dr. Melanie Osterhouse
Professor, School of STEM and Professional Studies
Science Department Chair
my.CSMD
