About

The School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability (SEGS) at Western Michigan University prepares students to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and outreach. Formed in 2023 through the consolidation of four programs—the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, the Department of Geography, Environment, and Tourism, the Global and International Studies Program, and the Climate Change Studies Minor—SEGS serves as a hub for innovative solutions in sustainability, environmental studies, and spatial sciences.

Located in Wood Hall on WMU’s main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan, SEGS offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including Geographic Information Science, Freshwater Science, and Global and International Studies. Our programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to make a lasting impact.

A legacy of geography and sustainability

WMU’s commitment to geography dates back to 1905, making it one of Michigan’s earliest established geography departments. Founding faculty such as Leslie Wood and Lucia Harrison set a high standard for scholarship and teaching, building a reputation for excellence that continues today.

Our Environmental Studies program, launched in 1972 after the first Earth Day, was among the first in the nation. From its earliest days, the program has been interdisciplinary, integrating perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. In 2016, it became the Institute of Environment and Sustainability, which in turn became part of SEGS in 2023.

WMU’s geography and sustainability programs have earned national recognition, including the American Association of Geographers Academic Excellence Award for Master’s Programs in 2019. Our faculty, past and present, have advanced research, mentored generations of students, and engaged with communities across the globe.