Minor in sustainability
The Institute for Environmental Studies offers both a minor and a certification in sustainability. Courses from 15 different departments count toward these programs of study.
Ranch management
Learn to manage a broad range of global assets in an ecologically and economically sound way while conserving and improving resources.
-overview from TCU
Visit the Ranch Management homepage to learn more.
Study Abroad
In Costa Rica, we conduct the majority of our research at our station in the cloud forests near Monteverde. The station, established in 2008, sits on 100 hectares of primary and secondary growth forest within Finca Jamaical, a farm owned and operated by Mr. Gustavo Orozco, a local naturalist and guide. This remarkable facility sleeps 20 students in a well-equipped tree house, literally immersing them in one of the most biologically-diverse landscape on the planet! There are also two faculty bungalows. Our research at the station involves both graduate and undergraduate students. Undergraduates have the opportunity to partake in a series of projects ranging from forest hydrology, mapping, species identification and reforestation. Faculty who lead field trips to Costa Rica both within the semester (e.g. the Tropical Biology field trip) and during the summer (e.g. Environmental Issues in Costa Rica, which is open to students from across campus) supervise these projects. Graduate students also conduct their thesis research at the station on topics ranging from land use and soil properties to quantifying forest structure. The station provides a unique opportunity to conduct long-term studies on the flora, fauna, soils, hydrology, and geophysical nature of this biologically significant area and we welcome other universities and colleges joining us!
This course gives students an immersive experience into South Africa's rapidly developing human population while it strives to preserve and conserve its natural heritage and biodiversity for future generations. The program addresses the geopolitical and socio-economic aspects of South Africa's human development by visiting local townships, District 6, Robben's Island, and Isipho HIV/AIDS project. Students will also be exposed to South Africa's biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial and learn about how the country is preserving their unique ecosystems. They will experience first-hand wildlife management and conservation in practice while staying in the Amakhala Game Reserve, and may take part in activities such rhino dehorning, wildlife relocation, and anti-poaching strategies.