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

A brilliant orange sunset appears between a cloudy blue sky and tall green grass with white flowers

‘Prairie Prophecy’ documentary shares life, vision of KU alumnus Wes Jackson

A free screening of the documentary “Prairie Prophecy” on Nov. 21 will share the work of innovative scientist, farmer and co-founder of The Land Institute Wes Jackson. A panel discussion with University of Kansas scholars will follow the screening.
White man smiling

Two Views of the Wakarusa: Science Meets Art in the Field

Robert Hagen, recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Award, reflects on the power of interdisciplinary learning in his blog post on the KACEE website, highlighting a KU field experience that blended ecological science with artistic expression.
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.