Program Description

The BA in Environmental Studies is interdisciplinary and is supported by three primary departments in which the three concentration areas are located and advised.

The three departments and concentrations are:*

• Biology: Ecological and Environmental Literacy
• Political Science: Politics and Policy
• Religious Studies: Religious Study

*Opportunities exist for additional and related study in a variety of departments about Environmental issues, including but not limited to: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Economics, History, Philosophy, and Sociology

Goals of the individual concentrations will vary with student interest, but the primary competencies of each area will include:

• Development of oral, written, and critical research skills
• Gain and advance the perspective needed to address environmental challenges from a variety of positions
• Enhance and improve the opportunity for practical application of the skills learned in and out of the classroom

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Mission Statement

Students pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies will develop an integrated and comprehensive understanding of the 'Living Earth.' Students will learn and use the tools necessary to evaluate humankind's impact on the environment, assess and plan for its subsequent care and protection, and to prepare to meet the current and future challenges confronting the planet.

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Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Environmental Studies major, students will be able to:

SLO 1: Understand and critique key concepts and methodologies from environmental science, policy, and religious studies as they appear in mass media, public policy, theory and/or empirical scholarship.

SLO 2: Understand and evaluate the scientific, political, economic, social, cultural and/or ethical variables that contribute to environmental degradation and to engage in critical examination and purposeful response toward resolving environmental problems.

SLO 3: Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills.

SLO 4: Demonstrate research skills geared toward understand the relationship between academic environmental studies research and application in the field.

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