Universities w/ best Environmental Science

<p>I know there are a lot of threads on schools with good EnviSci programs, but I wanted to start a thread that was more specific to me. </p>

<p>So here are a few things about me and the type of schools I am looking for:
I am very interested in Envi Sci/Studies, particularly wildlife ecology/biology/conservation.
I would like a smaller school, but no smaller than 1,000. I think I could handle a school with up to 10,000 students, but no more. I would like to be fairly close to nature and the outdoors at school, but I do not want to be totally removed from any town or city, especially if I'm going to be at a small school.
Though I do want rigorous academics, I want a school that still offers a vibrant social scene and party scene. I do not need or want huge frat parties.
I'm a good student with all A's and good test scores. I've taken Honors and AP classes as well.
I am aware that many of the schools with the best EV programs are top schools such as Ivy Leagues and Little Ivies. While I am interested in those schools, I would also like suggestions on slightly less selective schools -- schools that I stand a very good chance of getting in to. In other words, safe(ish) schools.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance :)</p>

<p>Colorado College fits your criteria very well. Small (2K students); in a nice city but close to fantastic wildlife and plant habitat; rigorous academics; lively party scene; minimal, understated Greek life. Admits about 1 in 4 students; “95” on the Princeton Rev selectivity scale. Stand-out features are the Rocky Mountain setting and the one-course-at-a-time Block Plan, which together give you good opportunities for field work.</p>

<p>Whitman College is another excellent Western LAC. It has an interdisciplinary program in environmental studies called “Semester in the West”. [Semester</a> in the West](<a href=“http://www.semesterinthewest.org/]Semester”>http://www.semesterinthewest.org/). The school is relatively remote but the nearby town of Walla Walla seems to get good reviews from College Confidential posters who visit. Like CC (above) it probably would be a high match (or even low reach) for you, not a safety. Lewis & Clark and Willamette are two other notable, small, somewhat less selective schools in the Pacific Northwest.</p>

<p>College of the Atlantic does not fit all your criteria but is worth checking out. It grants degrees only in “Human Ecology”; Environmental Science is required of all students. COA enrolls only a few hundred students. </p>

<p>Warren Wilson College is another unusual school. It’s a “work college”, integrating academics with work for the school and community service. It has its own 300 acre farm and is surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest. Environmental Science and Outdoor Leadership are two of the most popular majors.</p>

<p>UNC Ashville and St. Mary’s College of Maryland are two public liberal arts colleges. Both feature beautiful settings, UNCA in the Blue Ridge mountains and SMCM on the water (near the junction of Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River). **Evergreen State<a href=“Olympia,%20WA”>/b</a> is a larger public LAC (~4500 students).</p>

<p>Of the highly selective “little Ivies”, Middlebury College should be high on your list for its strong Environmental Science/Studies programs and overall quality. Colby College, a bit less selective, is another NESCAC college to consider.</p>

<p>Berkeley and Michigan have top environmental engineering programs.</p>

<p>Georgia tech has highly rated enviro engineering.</p>

<p>[environmental</a> studies | St. Lawrence University Academics](<a href=“http://www.stlawu.edu/academics/programs/environmental-studies]environmental”>Environmental Studies | St. Lawrence University)</p>

<p>St Lawrence University (NY) </p>

<p>Environmental Studies major, excellent LAC, Division III Athletics, small classes, located in Canton, NY, a nice small town. Truly a “candle in the wilderness” as it is known. </p>

<p>Check it out, see if SLU interests you.</p>