Sophomores are accepted into the program at the end of the fall semester after an intensive application process. They commence the program by taking ES 110 Environmental Studies as a Natural Science, or ES 111 as a Social Science.

During their first semester in the program, sophomores take ES 290, a four-credit course with two components: a service-learning project and seminar. By incorporating a service-learning component, the Center fosters inquiry and skill-building through application of scholarship in a community context. Through affiliation with the Groton Conservation Commission, the students are exposed to real world conservation through a municpal planning lense.

The ES 290 seminar is designed to help prepare students for their internships and senior integrative projects. It also offers in-depth discussion of current environmental issues with invited speakers, and the opportunity to share information among students with diverse backgrounds, including juniors and seniors in the Certificate Program. Sophomores also participate in many special events sponsored by the Center.