The interaction between humans and the environments they inhabit has long been a central issue in anthropology, and environmental degradation is a worldwide concern today. Pollution, loss of biodiversity, and global warming recognize no political boundaries, but attitudes and behaviors involving the natural environment vary widely from culture to culture. The understanding and incorporation of these varied perspectives are vital to the development and successful use of workable solutions.

The environmental anthropology track requires 15 s.h. (five courses): two theory courses, which deal primarily with human-environmental interactions; and three area or topical electives, which deal in part with environment, ecology, and subsistence technologies.