No matter which of our programs of study you choose, you can be sure that a rewarding career awaits you. An environmental degree from Sewanee could lead you to:
- Work for a Fortune 500 company on their greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy
- Advocate for the environment as an environmental lawyer working on clean water, wetlands protection, and wildlife policy
- Consult corporate clients on climate-responsible investment
- Conduct ground-breaking research in immunotherapy and biotechnology
- Oversee natural resource monitoring programs to assist with governmental resource-management and decision-making
Sewanee’s environmental programs alumni are doing all of that, and more. Regardless of their field, they tell us the same thing: The hands-on experience, interdisciplinary education, and strong communication skills fostered by Sewanee’s environmental programs helped them to stand out from the crowd and land those incredible job opportunities.
What our alumni are doing with their environmental major
KATIE Rhodes, C’16
BANK OF AMERICA
MAJOR: Environmental Studies
MINOR: Business
Katie is responsible for implementing Bank of America's Net Zero before 2050 strategy, which involves calculating greenhouse gas emissions for financing activities and setting 2030 science-aligned targets for emissions reduction. Prior to her role at Bank of America, Katie worked for the City of Charlotte managing their municipal greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan.
NET ZERO STRATEGY MANAGER, Bank of America
Wilder McCoy, C'20
Climate Fund Managers
MAJORS: Natural Resources, International and Global Studies
CERTIFICATE: Watershed Science Certificate
Wilder is an investment associate responsible for water-related deal origination in Africa at Climate Fund Managers working in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, Wilder also co-founded and runs Flowmetric, a corporate water risk management platform launched out of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Wilder holds an MSc in Water Management and Governance from UNESCO IHE Delft, Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands.
Investment Associate, Climate Fund Managers
Emmie Oliver, C'16
Boston Consulting Group
MAJOR: Environment and Sustainability
MINOR: Anthropology
As part of Boston Consulting Group’s climate and sustainability knowledge team, Emmie helps BCG clients identify and harness climate innovation, embed sustainability at scale, and capture the value they create. Prior to her role at BCG, she worked for the World Resources Institute researching ways for multilateral development banks to invest in nature-based solutions. Emmie also holds a master's degree from the Yale School of the Environment.
Senior Knowledge Analyst for Climate and Sustainability, Boston Consulting Group
Environmental Research & Internships
Sewanee's environmental majors hit the job market with hands-on experience. Whether conducting research with University faculty on the Domain (Sewanee's 13,000-acre outdoor lab) or completing an unforgettable summer internship, environmental students take their learning outside the classroom.
The Call of the Wild
Kabir Menon, C’25, spent the summer in the remote environs of Hanson Island, a small island off the coast of British Columbia. There, he braved extreme conditions—including a near-miss with a grizzly bear—to join the OrcaLab research team in their 24/7 quest to observe and learn more about orca whales.
Probing the Secrets of the Universe from Snowden Hall
What happens to geological materials when a pressure equal to that of 880 African elephants standing on one square inch is applied to them? Sewanee planetary geologist Lily Thompson and her students are working hard to find out—and to expand our understanding of deep Earth, other planets, and beyond.
Alumni Spotlights
Breaking the Ice
On a remote Alaskan island, coastal scientist Hannah-Marie Garcia, C’19, works at the intersection of climate change and Indigenous culture to turn ancient wisdom into contemporary solutions.
(Battery) Power to the People
Lifelong car nut Rocco Calandruccio, C’01, has developed and patented an ingenious method for converting gas-powered vehicles to electric. Now, his start-up company is poised to make that earth-friendly switch available to the masses—quickly and affordably.
Herb Girl
With a new line of adaptogen-infused energy bars and a passion for all things natural, Eileen Schaeffer Brantley, C’13, and her business partners want to change the way you think about the power of herbs.
Outcomes
First Destinations after Graduation
Sewanee graduates get the job. Over 95% of each year’s graduating class is employed, continuing education, in the military, or participating in a fellowship or service commitment within six months of graduation. Top career fields include: business, finance, and consulting; education; law; medicine; and environment and sustainability. Review the first destinations data to see where Sewanee alumni launched their careers.
Career Readiness
Support at Every Stage of the Journey
From day one, we’ll work with you to design a four-year experience that connects to your values, meets your goals, and prepares you for a meaningful and purposeful career. You’ll be matched with a career readiness and student success coach, enjoy regular campus events, have access to internships—and funding—just for Sewanee students, and get connected to Sewanee’s 20,000 strong network of alumni who are ready to help you on your way.
Undergraduate Research
Hands-On Learning, On and Off the Domain
Big questions are out there. At Sewanee, we'll work together to find the answers. Faculty from all disciplines—sciences, humanities, fine arts, and more—bring their scholarship into the classroom and create opportunities for students to pursue original research. And thanks to the Sewanee Pledge, students are guaranteed funding for a summer research fellowship or internship with a Sewanee professor or another approved program.
