2024-2025 Undergraduate Hill Book
Environmental Sciences and Studies
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Department Chair:
Housed in the May School of Arts and Sciences , the Environmental Sciences and Studies Department offers a B.A. in Environmental Studies, a B.S. in Environmental Science, and an engineering dual-degree program with The University of Notre Dame. A minor in Environmental Sciences & Studies is also offered.
Departmental Mission
The Environmental Sciences and Studies program provides students with knowledge of the basic principles of ecology and environmental science, including economic, political, sociological, and philosophical dimensions. Students can tailor their degrees to their career and personal goals through the choice of major, course selection, directed study, internships, independent research, and senior thesis.
Given the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems, students aspiring to contribute toward the solutions must acquire knowledge in a variety of areas. Consequently, faculty from across the college contribute classes to the ENV curriculum. Additionally, the program collaborates with student clubs such as the Students for Environmental Action (SEA), as success in environmental work ultimately demands organizing and activism skills which Environmental Sciences and Studies majors and minors are encouraged to develop via taking leadership roles in such clubs here on campus.
Learning Goals
Majors in Environmental Science will demonstrate:
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An in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts in the natural sciences & mathematics (biology, chemistry, geology, physics & math), particularly as they pertain to understanding the natural environment.
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The ability to integrate knowledge across those disciplines, becoming skilled in the use of multiple lenses to analyze complexity.
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Competence in the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental science data.
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Critical & constructive thinking on environmental issues and problems, at both the local and global levels.
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Valuing the natural world and future humanity, developing/adopting an environmental ethic as part of a broader commitment to social justice, and taking personal and political action in keeping with those values.
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Effective communication skills (written & oral), for audiences of natural scientists and beyond, into the public arena.
An additional outcome for those BS majors enrolled in the 3-2 Notre Dame Environmental Engineering program is:
- solid preparation for success in an environmental engineering program.
Majors in Environmental Studies will demonstrate:
- Relevant disciplinary knowledge in the natural and social sciences as well as in the humanities.
- The ability to integrate knowledge across those disciplines, becoming skilled in the use of multiple lenses to analyze complexity.
- Critical & constructive thinking on environmental issues and problems, at both the local and global levels.
- Valuing the natural world and future humanity, developing/adopting an environmental ethic as part of a broader commitment to social justice, and taking personal and political action in keeping with those values.
- Effective communication skills (written & oral) for various audiences, including the public.
ProgramsMajorMinorEngineering Dual Degree
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