Academics
Environmental Engineering
The Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE) program in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University of Virginia is designed to instill fundamental knowledge of environmental engineering and water resources in a manner that leverages the unique combination of expertise of the faculty. Courses offerings support timely issues in environmental engineering research and practice, emphasizing academic and research programs in environmental chemistry, environmental hydraulics and hydrology, geoenvironmental engineering, industrial ecology, and water quality modeling and management. Learn More.
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of processes that shape our natural environment. The Department of Environmental Sciences conducts research and offers instruction in the areas of Ecology, Geosciences, Hydrology, and Atmospheric Sciences. This unique integration of several sciences fosters cooperation and the exchange of information and ideas on the scientific problems and issues of the environment. The research efforts of both faculty and students, whether disciplinary or interdisciplinary, deal with problems of fundamental scientific interest. Learn More.
Environmental Thought & Practice
The Environmental Thought and Practice (ETP) major teaches undergraduates to think about environmental issues within a broadly interdisciplinary framework. Environmental problems concern natural phenomena whose dimensions are appropriately described by environmental scientists. However, the "problems" themselves result from changes in public perception that are contingent upon cultural constructs and historical events. Attempts to solve these problems necessarily fall within the political sphere, but policy debates draw on principles and discourses from philosophy, economics, and ethics. In short, understanding and solving environmental problems demands the ability to connect ideas from such diverse disciplines as anthropology, literature, history, ethics, politics, the natural sciences, economics, and land use planning. Learn More.
Global Sustainability
The interdisciplinary minor in Global Sustainability benefits students of all majors who want to understand the many facets of sustainability and learn how to apply this knowledge. The minor empowers students to accomplish real change through community engagement with sustainable projects. The Global Sustainability minor is housed in the School of Architecture and guided by a Governing Board of representatives from the six-partner academic units, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and student groups. Learn More.
Technology and the Environment
The Technology and the Environment (TE) minor teaches a more sophisticated understanding of the relationships between technology and the environment and engineers and managers. A cornerstone of the TE minor is basic knowledge of technologies that directly impact environmental systems. This technological foundation will allow students to build a more sophisticated understanding of how technology and the environment are inter-related. According to the interests of a student, courses from the areas of envrionmental planning and policy, history of the environment and technology, and management may be selected to complete the TE minor. Thus, students from across the University may participate in the Technolgy and the Environment minor. Learn More.
Urban & Environmental Planning
Students in the Planning program develop the understanding, sensitivity, and skills necessary to pursue professional careers in a variety of public, private, and nonprofit roles. The Department values environments where countrysides are productive and appropriately protected, where cities have vital centers and efficient means of movement, and where neighborhoods offer opportunities for all to live affordably and safely. The curriculum introduces students to the theories of planning, methods of analysis, effective means of communication, planning processes, and creative strategies for implementation. Learn More.