Institute for the Environment and Sustainability, CAS

Established in 1969 as the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Miami University's Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES) began with the Master of Environmental Science (M.En.) degree, designed to address the urgent need for interdisciplinary environmental education. Renamed in 2010, IES now serves as the university's hub for environmental science and sustainability, offering co-majors in Environmental Science, Energy, Food Systems, and Sustainability, and a minor in Global Perspectives on Sustainability. Through its comprehensive programs and partnerships, IES prepares students for careers in environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Our Mission

Discover Miami University's Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES)—a leader in interdisciplinary education and research in environmental science and sustainability. Offering programs like the Master of Environmental Science (M.En.) and co-majors in Environmental Science and Sustainability, IES prepares students for impactful careers in environmental sustainability. Engage in hands-on learning through partnerships with organizations such as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Join a community committed to addressing global environmental challenges through innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

The mission of the Institute for the Environment & Sustainability is to educate students as professionals and global citizens through interdisciplinary programs in environmental science and sustainability, and to provide leadership in areas of research and outreach that address environmental problems and promote a more sustainable society.

Sustainability for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

The long legacy of sustainability education at Miami University hits a new stride.

In the Fall of 2025, the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES) received an invitation from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) to produce a mini-film as a part of the AGU TV Thought Leadership Series and be featured at the annual scientific gathering – the AGU conference in New Orleans, LA (Dec 15-19, 2025).

The mini-film captures current footage of IES facilities, curriculum activities, student participants, alumni, and leadership to share how the Institute complements educational opportunities at Miami University. The film features footage of the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park and the Western Geothermal Plant, both of which support Miami University's energy transition goals to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall institutional sustainability. The film effort is a partnership between AGU and IES with production facilitated by WebsEdge of London, England.

Our Co-Majors Will Build a Better Tomorrow

The term "co-major" indicates that students must complete another, primary major in one of the divisions at Miami University. There is no specific degree designation for the co-major; students receive the degree designation of their primary major. The Institute for the Environment and Sustainability offers these co-majors:

Energy Co-major

The goal of an Energy Co-major is to provide students with core interdisciplinary training in energy that complements their disciplinary majors in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, business, and the social sciences.

Environmental Science Co-major

The Environmental Science Co-major emphasizes earth science and life science approaches to understanding environmental patterns and processes.

Food Systems & Food Studies Co-major

The Food Systems & Food Studies Co-major provides an interdisciplinary examination of food, exploring the complex path food follows from farm to fork and beyond.

Sustainability Co-major

The Sustainability Co-major emphasizes human-nature interaction in understanding environmental patterns and processes.

Global Perspectives on Sustainability Minor

This interdisciplinary minor introduces students to the foundations of environmental sustainability and its complexities, with an emphasis on the approaches taken by people living under different geographic and economic conditions. Of special importance in this minor is increasing student understanding of the issues and problems faced by the majority of global citizens who live in less industrial or less economically developed parts of the world.

Learn More

Master of Environmental Science (M.En.) Degree

The Master of Environmental Science (M.En.) is a professional degree program that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem-solving and sustainable practices. The program is designed to prepare students, upon graduation, for immediate employment as an environmental professional.

Our Program Emphasizes

Problem-solving skills
Interdisciplinary training
Teamwork and management
Effective communication
Quantitative analysis

Learn More

Resources and Opportunities for Our Students

Study Abroad

Many of our students take advantage of the numerous study abroad opportunities available at Miami University.

In 2026, students can participate in programs such as Italy: Ancient and Modern (Summer), Miami University in Florence, and exchange opportunities like Korea University. These programs offer hands-on learning through site visits, cultural immersion, and coursework in areas such as environmental sustainability, global systems, and policy, allowing students to engage with real-world issues in international settings.

Lacawac Environmental Research and Education Consortium

Lacawac Environmental Research and Education Consortium lists various internship opportunities for undergraduate and some graduate students studying biology, environmental sciences, ecology and similar majors.

Miami University Research Experience for Undergraduates

At Miami University, students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research in ecology, environment, and sustainability through a range of programs and initiatives. The Miami University REU program in Ecology and Environment is a summer research program supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program provides 12 undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a 10-week, collaborative research experience.

In addition, students at Miami University can pursue research and experiential learning through the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES). Both undergraduate and graduate students participate in interdisciplinary projects in areas such as conservation, environmental policy, and sustainability. Students work closely with faculty mentors and gain hands-on experience in field, laboratory, and analytical research settings, along with access to seminars and professional development opportunities.

Campus Compact EnviroCorps

Campus-compact

EnviroCorps offers students hands-on sustainability service opportunities through Campus Compact, in partnership with Miami University and the City of Oxford. Students work on projects that address real-world environmental challenges.