All majors will complete two Research Intensive courses centered around one or several research questions for which students will develop hypotheses, collect, analyze, and interpret a data set, and write up their findings. Other opportunities for research include independent study with faculty on a topic of mutual interest and the Honor Thesis. In addition, there are several ways to be involved in research on campus (see below).
The ENVS department has a strong history of and ongoing commitment to externally funded initiatives supporting and advancing faculty and student research (Luce Foundation, American Chemical Society, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wiener Foundation, Kress Foundation, American Political Science Association, Association of American Geographers), research and educational facilities (Keck Lab, Murdock Foundation), student scholarships (Dempsey Foundation, Webber), endowed chair and lecture series (Dempsey Foundation), and curriculum development (National Association of Geoscience Teachers).