Jessica M. Nolan, Ph.D., Director
The Environmental Studies Concentration is an interdisciplinary program that introduces students to a diversity of perspectives on the environment and sustainability. The concentration will enable students to understand the complexity of environmental problems by exploring a wide variety of approaches, both theoretical and practical. This will prepare students to critically evaluate the causes and solutions of today’s environmental problems.
Courses for the Environmental Studies Concentration are drawn from departments across the University and are open to students in all majors (to enroll, students must see the Director of Environmental Studies). The concentration consists of six courses (18 credits), one each from natural science, social science, humanities, and business/professional studies. The remaining two courses can be from any of the areas. Many of the cross-listed courses also fulfill major, minor, cognate, or general education requirements. Students are also encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities that will enrich their classroom experiences.
Students may, with the approval of the Environmental Studies Program Steering Committee, substitute an honors tutorial or thesis, study abroad courses, one reader, or a non-cross-listed course for an environmental studies course elective in cases where significant graded requirements are completed in ways that meet the course criteria for environmental studies. Students seeking such substitutions should seek advice from the Director of Environmental Studies, preferably before completing the credits they wish to substitute.
Environmental Studies Courses
Some of the listed courses have prerequisites; please consult departmental descriptions.
Natural Science
Social Science
Humanities
Business/Professional Studies
The remaining two courses can be from any of the four areas. Students are also required to complete a non-credit bearing reflection assignment prior to graduation.