field of trees

Environmental Studies Institute

Discover a Passion for the Environment

Program Overview

How do we preserve the world for future generations? What can we do as individuals and as a society to minimize harmful effects on the environment?  Answer these questions and more as you discover the ecological principles that are the basis of environmental studies and sustainability and explore how environmental studies incorporates concepts from across the natural and social sciences. Topics include: human population growth, energy resources, land and food resources, water resources, air pollution, global climate change, and human health and toxicology, as well as a review of ecology and species diversity. Sustainability is a unifying theme throughout the course, as is an understanding of the linkages between ecosystems. This understanding will give you a greater appreciation for and better stewardship of the world in which you live.

This program is ideal for those with a strong interest in issues involving the environment and who have not taken a previous environmental studies course. A copy of the 2024 program syllabus is available here.


Dates

The Environmental Studies Institute is a two-week, residential program offered from July 13-26, 2025.


Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Environmental Studies Institute, you should:

  • Be a current sophomore or junior in high school (graduating in 2027 or 2026).
  • Have completed one year of high school biology by the start of the program.

We are looking for mature, academically motivated individuals enrolled in challenging curriculum which may include honors, advanced placement, and International Baccalaureate courses, if offered by their high schools. Individuals who are collaborative, intellectually curious, and creative thinkers thrive in our program.


Fees and Scholarships

The 2025 program fee for the Environmental Studies Institute is $3,785 which includes all program activities, housing, and meals. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. Children of WashU employees and returning participants are eligible for a 10% discount. Additional details on fees, need-based scholarships, and discounts are available here.


Grading and Evaluation

Our summer institutes are ideal for individuals who want to experience college-level curriculum without the pressure of a letter grade. Class sizes are small (typically between 15-20 participants) to ensure personalized feedback from instructors. These programs are designed for participants to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and consider new ideas.

Although summer institutes are noncredit, they are rigorous. Participants are evaluated based on attendance and engagement in class activities, completion of assignments, quality of work produced, as well as their ability to adhere to academic integrity standards and program policies. Because summer institutes are noncredit, no transferable credit is earned. At the end of the program, participants will receive a transcript for the course indicating whether requirements were met. 


Acceptance and participation in summer institute course work and activities does not imply or guarantee acceptance into a degree program at WashU. For questions about the undergraduate admission process, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Program Schedule

Morning Session

Participants start their day with breakfast, independent study, and their morning session which meets from 10:00am-12:00pm. Morning sessions are a combination of traditional undergraduate classroom activities such as lectures, small group work, and discussion all lead by our WashU instructors.

Lunch and Independent Study

Participants have a break for lunch from 12:00-2:00pm. During this time, they can eat at any of the on campus dining options or return to the residence hall to prepare a meal. This time is also used for independent study at any of the 7 Danforth campus library branches open in the summer and advising sessions with staff.

Afternoon Session

Afternoon session begins at 2:00pm. These sessions typically included more individual work and application of content learned in the morning sessions. Instructors lead all afternoon session, working with participants and providing support for projects and assignments. The session wraps up by 4:00pm.

Evenings

Evenings are spent in optional enrichment activities and dinner. After dinner, community events provide the opportunity to reflect and relax at the end of a busy day.

Weekend

The weekend is spent socializing with peers and exploring our vibrant city of St. Louis. Optional outings will be organized by our staff, and there will be opportunities for participants to explore on their own as well.

red tulips blooming with brookings hall in the background

Wondering about campus life?

Enviromental Studies Institute participants live on campus in one of our top-ranked, air-conditioned residence halls. We are housed on the South 40 residential area of campus which includes secure residential halls, basketball and volleyball courts, hammocks, picnic tables, and lots of space to relax and socialize.

Explore Residential Life

Learn More About Our Programs

In addition to course work, you will participate in specialized college readiness, community, and academic success enrichment activities.

How to Apply

In order to apply to the Environmental Studies Institute, you must complete an online application, including short essays, and submit the following supplemental information:

  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Transcript
  • Teacher recommendation
  • International applicants for whom English is a second language should provide documentation of their ability to complete coursework in English by providing an official TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic score report. Additional guidelines for international students are available here.

The deadline to submit an application and all supplemental information is April 1, 2025 at 4:00pm CT.

Questions about applying? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page.

Applications for the 2025 summer will open November 1, 2024.