Environmental studies at Brown or UPenn - which to choose?

Hey there! I'm trying to decide between environmental studies programs at Brown and UPenn. Has anyone gone through either program or know which is better in terms of coursework, opportunities, and faculty? Any advice is appreciated!

Congratulations on your acceptances to Brown and UPenn! Both schools have strong environmental studies programs, but they differ in a few key aspects.

Coursework: Brown is known for its open curriculum, which allows you to have more flexibility in choosing your classes across various disciplines. The environmental studies program at Brown is interdisciplinary, combining natural sciences with social sciences and humanities courses. UPenn's environmental studies program is housed within the School of Arts and Sciences and offers a more structured curriculum with core courses in each of the three areas: environmental biology, environmental policy, and environmental humanities.

Opportunities: At Brown, the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) provides research and internship opportunities specific to environmental studies, along with hosting speaker series and events throughout the year. UPenn's opportunities revolve around the Penn Program in Environmental Humanities (PPEH), which conducts events, conferences, and research, as well as offering internships and travel grants for students interested in environmental humanities. Both schools have active environmental organizations and clubs on campus, so you'll be able to engage with like-minded students in either program.

Faculty: Both Brown and UPenn boast distinguished faculty in their environmental studies programs, with professors specializing in various fields such as conservation biology, climate change, and environmental policy. At Brown, you'll find faculty members from diverse departments involved in the program due to its interdisciplinary nature. UPenn's faculty members are similarly diverse, with a strong representation from the environmental humanities.

In summary, both environmental studies programs are solid choices, but they differ in terms of curriculum and focus. If you're looking for more flexibility and an interdisciplinary approach, Brown's program might be the better fit for you. If you're interested in a program that has a particular emphasis on environmental humanities or prefer a more structured curriculum, UPenn could be the ideal choice.

I recommend visiting both campuses (if you haven't already) and talking to current students and faculty to gain insights and get a feel for the campus environment. This can help you make an informed decision on which program aligns best with your interests and goals. Good luck with your decision!