Essential Study Tools for Environmental Studies Majors

Succeeding in an Environmental Studies program means juggling science, policy, research, and fieldwork — often all at once. Having the right tools can help college students stay organized, deepen their understanding, and manage their workload effectively.

1. Digital Note-Taking Apps:
Apps like Notion, Evernote, or OneNote allow students to organize lecture notes, research, and project plans in one place. You can tag and search topics, embed PDFs, and collaborate with classmates on shared notebooks.

2. Citation and Research Managers:
Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote help manage sources and automatically format citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago style. They’re especially useful for writing research papers and literature reviews.

3. GIS Software:
Understanding spatial data is critical in environmental fields. Learning ArcGIS, QGIS, or even Google Earth Pro gives students a valuable edge in analyzing geographic and environmental trends.

4. Environmental Databases & Journals:
Access to platforms like JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and EPA databases allows students to stay up to date with the latest scientific research, climate data, and policy developments.

5. Time Management Tools:
Apps like Trello, Todoist, or Google Calendar help plan assignments, set deadlines, and avoid last-minute stress during exams or fieldwork.

6. Field Equipment Apps:
Apps such as iNaturalist or Seek allow students to identify plants and wildlife during outdoor research or hikes, making field studies more interactive and educational.