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. Through hands-on projects and interactive lectures, you will gain practical skills in environmental problem-solving. By the end of the program, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact on your communities and beyond, sparking a lifelong passion for environmental advocacy. Join us to become part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to preserving our planet.
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.
