Prospective U-M Students (High School Students and Transfer Students)
The Program in the Environment (PitE) is a University-wide collaborative effort overseen by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) and the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE). PitE has an interdisciplinary curriculum, and our students are required to take courses in the natural and social sciences and the humanities, and include courses that draw their content from several different academic perspectives. This gives you a broad understanding of the complexity of environmental problems as well as specific social and natural science skills with which to solve them.
Learn more about the PitE program by reviewing the PitE Student Handbook.
Information Sessions (For Undeclared LSA Students)
If you are considering declaring the concentration or minor in the Environment, you must register for an information session (labeled "PitE Information Session" in the drop-down menu) using the online scheduling system. Each session will be held in room 1160 USB. If you cannot attend any of these sessions, please visit one of our advisors during walk-in advising (see the academic advising page for the schedule).
Winter 2012 Information Session Dates
Tuesday, January 17 from 4:30 – 5:30pm
Tuesday, January 31 from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Thursday, February 16 from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Thursday, March 15 from 4:00-5:00pm
Monday, March 19 from 5:00 – 6:00pm
Thursday, April 5 from 4:00 – 5:00pm
Monday, April 16 from 5:00 - 6:00pm
The Information Session covers prerequisite, concentration, and minor course requirements, as well as specific courses you may wish to take. You may declare the concentration or minor at one of these information sessions. You do not need to have completed PitE pre-requisites before declaring.
Can't Attend an Information Session?
Meet with a Peer Advisor in Walk-In Advising. Peer advisors will review the program requirements, answer your questions, and even help you declare your concentration or minor. Walk-in peer advising hours are available Monday through Thursday. Click here for the walk-in peer advising schedule.
How do students join PitE?
Students that are accepted into the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) are eligible to declare, or join, PitE as early as their first semester on campus. This is done by attending a general information session, where you will learn about program requirements and option from our advising team. Please see our academic advising section for a list of general information session dates.
Is there field work?
Yes, it is important that environmental education include exposure to broad practices involved in environmental problem-solving. For this reason Program in the Environment students are required to spend time off-campus participating in a PRE-APPROVED practical experience which enables students to cover a broad set of material and ideas in settings where much of the learning is by doing. Skills development and learning are facilitated through interactions with a range of individuals and groups. The University of Michigan has many options for completing the practical experience requirement, which range from taking field courses, completing an off-campus internship, or studying abroad through a summer or semester program. Please see our Practical Experience page to learn more about these opportunities.
Do you accept AP credit?
You must report a score 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Environmental Science test to receive credit for ENVIRON 201 Ecological Issues. This credit will satisfy the Introductory Interdisciplinary Course prerequisite in the concentration. We also accept AP credit for other concentration prerequisites. However, AP credit may not be used to satisfy any Environment Minor requirements.
What are the environment student groups?
The PitE Club is a student organization that helps foster a sense of community within PitE. PitE Club works with the PitE Administration and advisors to host and promote academic and social events throughout the year. The club seeks new members each year between March and April.
PitE students are also members of one or more of the following student organizations on campus: Environmental Action (EnAct), Environmental Issues Commission (EIC), Michigan Sustainable Foods Initiative (MSFI), Student Sustainability Initiative (SSI). Click here for a list of environmental student organizations on campus.
Are there events I can attend to learn more about PitE?
PitE hosts several academic events and workshops throughout the year, including a visiting speaker series, which is free and open to the public. Please see our Events section for a list of upcoming events.
