At any time in your search, you are encouraged to approach a faculty member for advice as well as to ask about pursuing independent research, either as a job (see Beyond Barnard) or as part of academic study or part of a research program.  We encourage you to make an appointment with departmental faculty either as co-Chairs, instructors, or  advisers.  There are opportunities during the year in the department as well as with affiliates, and many structured, paid opportunities over the summer months, such as through SRI or Lamont and Earth Institute programs as well as programs such as E(SP)².  See below for more info on how to organize your search, who to speak with, and where to go:

E(SP)² is a new NSF funded program to prepare the next generation of diverse leaders in Environmental Science.  The program is designed for students who intend on pursuing one of the majors in the Department of Environmental Science (Environmental Science or Environment and Sustainability) with an interest in Environmental Science, Sustainability or Environmental Justice.  The goal is to increase and diversify the Environmental Science major and workforce. 

This program includes a summer bridge before the first year, a journal club, a spring break field trip, a service-learning community outreach course, and up to three summers of funded research.   Over one of the summers, students can substitute a funded internship focusing on environmental justice in New York City for lab research.  The program will focus on helping students learn key environmental science skills. 

Students will have two opportunities to enter the program: 

First, admitted applicants to Barnard who apply for (SP)²  will automatically be eligible for E(SP)² depending on their interests and will be contacted during the interview process; 

Second, current Barnard students can apply in the spring of their first year to start the program as a Sophomore by applying to the program by filling out the form on this link. The deadline for current First Years applying to E(SP)² is Monday, March 7 at 5pm. 

Do not worry if you don’t make it into the program.  The Environmental Science Department still has numerous opportunities for field work and field research including summer research funded through the SRI program and the Lamont and Earth Intern Programs to name a few. 

Eligibility: Science PEERs (people historically excluded from science based on ethnicity and race, i.e. BIPOC) as well as first generation or low income (FGLI) students who have demonstrated a commitment to science with a strong interest in environmental science are eligible to apply at the time of admission to Barnard or during the spring semester of their first year. For admission to Barnard in Fall 2022, if you are invited to interview for (SP)² you will have the opportunity to opt into consideration for E(SP)². Students with less science experience are encouraged to apply during their first year. Students in the CSTEP and HEOP programs are specifically encouraged to apply during the Spring semester of their first year. Note that GPA is not the sole measure being considered during the application process, with passion and clear interest in pursuing a career in environmental science being considered. 

Please email Logan Brenner with any questions or to learn more about the E(SP)² Program.

For more Information about the Barnard application process email Barnard Admissions or call:
212-854-2014.