Environmental Studies, Minor
Program Overview:
The Environmental Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the complex relationships between human societies and the natural environment. Drawing on perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business, the program examines environmental challenges, sustainability, conservation, climate change, and environmental ethics. Students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to analyze environmental issues from multiple perspectives, making the minor an excellent complement to a wide range of majors and careers.
PROGRAM LEARING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Apply the methodologies of multiple disciplines to the research & analysis of topics that defy traditional disciplinary boundaries.
PLO 2: Engage in intersectional thinking to identify connections between environmental concerns, gender, race, class and nationality.
PLO 3: Use the city as a platform for identifying researching & analyzing complex inter-, intra-, and cross-disciplinary topics of historical & contemporary significances.
PLO 4: Describe the basic concepts in ecology and population dynamics
PLO 5: Articulate the connections and relationships between ecological concepts, population dynamics & resources, pollution, and climate change.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
ECO-3307 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
LWP-3653 | Environmental Writers | 3 |
IDS-2200 | Art & Ecology | 3 |
IDS-2205 | Biomimicry | 3 |
BIO-1000 | Ecology & the Environment | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
• Explores environmental issues through an interdisciplinary curriculum integrating the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, economics, and the arts.
• Examines the ecological, economic, cultural, and ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability and conservation.
• Introduces students to foundational concepts in ecology, environmental systems, and the relationship between human and natural environments.
• Investigates innovative approaches to sustainability through the study of biomimicry, environmental economics, and creative problem-solving.
• Analyzes environmental themes in literature and the arts to deepen understanding of the cultural and human dimensions of environmental change.
• Develops critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills applicable to careers and graduate study in sustainability, environmental policy, conservation, education, and related fields.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
An Environmental Studies minor complements majors across the sciences, business, education, public policy, and the humanities by providing interdisciplinary knowledge of sustainability and environmental issues. Students gain analytical, research, and problem-solving skills that enhance careers focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Potential career paths include:
• Sustainability Coordinator
• Environmental Education Specialist
• Conservation Program Assistant
• Environmental Policy or Research Assistant
• Corporate Sustainability Associate
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Environmental Advocate
• Park or Natural Resources Assistant
• Environmental Communications Specialist
• Urban Planning or Community Development Assistant
• Green Business or ESG Analyst
• Environmental Consulting Assistant
• Public Health or Environmental Health Professional
• Graduate Study in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or Law
The minor strengthens graduates' ability to address complex environmental challenges and complements a wide range of professional and academic pathways.