Established in 1970, the Environmental Studies program at Whitman College was among the first undergraduate environmental programs in the country. Its founding coincided with the first Earth Day, reflecting a growing national awareness of environmental issues. From its inception, the program has embraced an interdisciplinary approach, combining perspectives from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address complex environmental challenges in both local and global contexts.

In 2007, the department expanded to include a major in Environmental Humanities, a shift that marked a new phase of growth. This change was driven by increasing student interest and the influence of faculty such as Professor Don Snow, who brought a strong emphasis on cultural, ethical, and literary perspectives on the environment. Over time, Environmental Humanities became one of the department's most popular concentrations, enhancing its academic identity and community impact.