The senior thesis is the culmination of the Environmental Studies Major for both BA and BS degree programs. Students produce an original research essay that aligns with their concentration.
The Senior Colloquium
The senior-essay colloquium guides students in developing and implementing their interdisciplinary projects.
- BS Program: Students enroll in two-semesters of EVST 496.
- BA Program: Students enroll in one-semester of EVST 496. Two-term theses require DUS permission.
Advising
- Primary Advisor: Students should secure a Yale faculty advisor with experience in their essay topic before they enroll in the senior colloquium.
- Colloquium Instructor: Instructors guide students through the research and writing process.
Finding a Primary Advisor
Your Primary Advisor must be a Yale faculty member but does not need to have an affiliation with EVST.
Tips for Finding an Advisor:
- Start early, preferably in junior year
- Take seminars with potential advisors
- Explore faculty research labs for science-based essays
- Consult our website’s list of faculty with environmental interests
- Review potential advisors’ publications and courses
- Meet faculty to discuss ideas and get project suggestion
- Review the list of Yale College Environmental Studies Affiliated Faculty and identify several whose interests may overlap with yours.
The Essay
- BS Theses: Students gather original data through lab or field research or analyze existing datasets with novel questions.
- BA Theses: Students collect and analyze evidence relevant to their research. Examples include laws, regulations, judicial decisions, interviews, surveys, participant observation, and archival or textual analyses.
Research Funding
- The Summer Environmental Fellowship funds senior essay research during the summer
- Seniors may also apply for funding for senior essay research expenses. Details are available in the Senior Essay Handbook.
