Program Director:
Students completing the Environmental Studies major with success will be well-equipped for entry level work in the non-profit, commercial and government sectors in the non-technical aspects of environmental work (education, outreach, advocacy, organizing, etc). Such students will also be prepared to undertake a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, policy or planning - the industry standard for environmental policy work in all three sectors of the economy (government, non-profits, and commerce).
Those completing this major along with preparation for an elementary or early-childhood teaching career will find themselves well-equipped to better prepare future generations for scientific literacy and a sustainable future. In addition, science backgrounds such as the one this major provides are valued by school districts yet remain rare among applicants for such teaching positions.
Environmental Studies majors are strongly encouraged to study away from campus for at least one semester; studying another ecosystem and the human culture(s) that resides there greatly enhances one’s preparation for environmental work. Options available to ENV students, in addition to traditional study in another country, include a semester at the University of Portland, Oregon or the SEA semester oceanography sailing program based at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Students in the major and minor programs frequently enroll in the upper-level courses from a variety of disciplines listed in the major without completing the pre-requisites that majors in those disciplines are required to complete. In these cases, students will need approval from the professor prior to course selection.
The major in Environmental Studies requires the completion of thirteen courses: five in natural sciences, five in the humanities/social sciences, two integrative seminars (an environmental LC seminar & a senior seminar), and one senior capstone experiential course (internship, directed study, independent research, or senior thesis).
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