The Environmental Studies Program at Holy Cross is a multidisciplinary, student-designed major and concentration run by the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies. The aim of Environmental Studies is to allow students to assemble a series of courses that bridges three or more disciplines and that provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues. Students are expected to study the causes, mechanisms and effects of environmental problems by investigating the relevant natural processes and the interplay between the environment and social, political and economic institutions.

 Economics, culture, policy, society and science all play key roles in the impact modern society has on the Earth's natural systems. This program is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the structure and function of these systems, and develop awareness of paths toward global sustainability.