Students in a boat on the river, collecting samples

KU Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies Program provides students with the tools they need to investigate environmental phenomena, including soil sampling and freshwater ecology to policy-making and social science.



Two students sharing a laptop both smiling as one points to the screen

Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of the program!

Virtual Tour

Alex Murray portrait

"I firmly believe that my experience in a multi-disciplinary undergrad program changed the game for me at KU."


Alex Murray

News from the Program

Surficial geology of Jewell County, Kansas

Geologic map for Jewell County now available

The Kansas Geological Survey has released a new full-color geologic map of Jewell County, where an ancient inland sea left rocks rich in fossils, time and erosion created a striking landscape, and excavations reveal evidence of prehistoric people.

KU Environmental Studies Interns Advance Blue River Restoration with Soil and Vegetation Surveys in Kansas City

KU Environmental Studies interns conducted soil and vegetation surveys for the Renewing the Blue project along Kansas City’s Blue River. Led by KU faculty, the team used custom methods to support restoration of 240 acres of riparian habitat, aiming to strengthen green infrastructure and urban tree canopy through an ARPA-funded initiative.
People walk down hallway past multicolored vertical posters

Environmental Studies junior, Keri Barnes, is one of 26 KU undergraduate students selected for 2025 Millennium Fellowship

Out of 60,396 applicants from more than 7,500 institutions worldwide, 26 University of Kansas students have been selected for the 2025 Millennium Fellowship, a leadership development program overseen by the Millennium Campus Network in partnership with United Nations Academic Impact.
Images of Zarko Boskovic, Francesco Carota, Eungsik Kim, Kelly Kindscher, Ian Lewis, and Erik Perrins: 2025-2026 Big 12 Professorship awardees

Dr. Kelly Kindscher is one of six KU professors awarded Big 12 Faculty Fellowships for 2025-2026 academic year

Six KU faculty members have been selected to participate in the Big 12 Faculty Fellowship over the summer and the upcoming academic year. These scholars will visit and collaborate with faculty and students across the Big 12 Conference.