Our mission is to provide a broad-based, interdisciplinary education for students interested in the identification, study and solution of problems affecting the natural world. By integrating perspectives from the humanities, social and biophysical sciences in the best liberal arts tradition, our curriculum is designed to produce not only ethical and capable environmental professionals but environmentally literate, responsible citizens. Our emphasis on experiential learning, internship opportunities, communication skills, and teamwork creates an environment in which critical thinking and leadership skills are fostered that will serve students well in the workplace or the pursuit of advanced degrees. We are committed to attracting faculty members with a passion for teaching and to support them in the scholarly and research endeavors that keep them current and vibrant in the classroom. Our goal is to serve as a resource of environmental expertise for both campus and community and to create lasting partnerships.
Student Learning Goals
Students successfully completing courses in the Department of Environmental Studies will be able to:
Goal 1. Interdisciplinary Reasoning. Make reasoned and informed judgments about contemporary environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Goal 2. Effective Communication. Effectively and efficiently describe, advocate, and interpret natural phenomena in oral, written and visual communications.
Goal 3. Technical Competency. Select and apply the appropriate analytical tool for environmental planning, monitoring, and restoration efforts.
Goal 4. Understanding Connections. Understand the connections between societal choices and sustainable outcomes for all living creatures and the physical environment.
Goal 5. Social Responsibility. Recognize that human impacts on the environment may have disproportionate effects on the poor and the marginalized and be equipped to address environmental inequities in their communities and beyond.