Iona College Announces New Major in Environmental Studies

New Rochelle, NY (July 9, 2012) -- Iona College will launch a new environmental studies undergraduate degree this fall in response to student interest, burgeoning faculty research and teaching in this area. This unique program includes three major concentrations: politics and policy; religious studies; and ecological and environmental literacy.

Addressing environmental issues through an interdisciplinary lens is unique to Iona. "The environmental studies degree offers Iona students an integrated and comprehensive understanding of the earth and humankind's impact upon the environment, and to prepare them to meet the challenges of care and protection confronting our planet,” said Jeanne Zaino, PhD, interim dean of the School of Arts and Science.

Students may major in any of the concentrations and aspire to careers in demand within their chosen field. Those who are planning to enter careers that influence environmental policy or non-profit advocacy organizations can focus on politics and policy. The religious studies concentration is designed for students who are interested in ministry or social/environmental entrepreneurship. 

Students interested in obtaining careers as sustainability coordinators can focus on ecological and environmental literacy.

"As an institution of Catholic higher education, we are committed to both raising student consciousness about the complexity of local, national and global environmental issues and educating students for living in a critically-threatened environment," added Iona Provost Brian Nickerson, PhD.

In addition to traditional academic inquiry, students are encouraged to participate in local and international fieldwork, environmental justice, political advocacy, campus and community wide discussions and internships all as part of this program.

Participants may want to pursue graduate school in environmental studies; ecology; biology; public policy; public administration; international studies; political science or religious studies. Alternatively, students may choose a career in law or work in either the public or private sector as advocates, educators, policy-makers, or any of the other growing fields that require training in and a commitment to environmentalism.

For further information on the environmental studies program visit: http://www.iona.edu/environmentalstudies or contact the program directors Yourha Kang, PhD, Ecology (ykang@iona.edu ), Tricia Mulligan,PhD, Environmental Politics and Policy (tmulligan@iona.edu) and Elena Procario-Foley, PhD, Theology (eprocariofoley@iona.edu ).

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu