The Environmental Systems and Sustainability Studies degree provides specialized training in researching and addressing some of the largest environmental challenges of our time such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and overconsumption of natural resources.
As the human impact on the environment continues to grow, so does the need for trained professionals in environmental fields that integrate the biological, physical, and earth sciences. Students gain hands-on learning experiences both in and out of the classroom, especially in the form of student-faculty research collaborations or faculty-supervised research projects. They also conduct cutting-edge research in environmental studies, geography, marine science, and science education.
Environmental Science is a diverse, multi-faceted field that offers environmentally-minded students a number of rewarding paths to careers. At Southern, students learn via hands-on educational experiences, participating in environmental and geographic courses and activities, student-faculty research collaborations or faculty-supervised research projects, cutting-edge field data collection methods and technologies, and lab-based data analysis procedures.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and interrelatedness of environmental issues, and the need to invoke elements of science, economics, law, politics, and ethics when formulating solutions.
- Students will build an understanding of the theoretical and historical events that underpin the multidisciplinary field of environmental sustainability.
- Students will be able to demonstrate abilities in geospatial technologies and apply those technologies to geographic and/or environmental analyses.
- Develop oral and written communication skills that demonstrate knowledge of the objectives of management strategies in a broad range of issues and for a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge gained from first-hand experience in addressing the practical aspects of making environmental decisions through internships (e.g., Norwalk Aquarium), research experiences (e.g., Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies or with TransAtlantic Alliance partners at Liverpool John Moores University in the U.K.), exposure to professional outside lecturers, and/or attendance of local wetland or zoning board committee meetings.
Concentrations
Environmental Systems and Sustainability, B.S. - Coastal Marine Systems
The Coastal Marine Systems concentration is focused on environmental problem-solving in terrestrial and coastal marine settings, with courses that explore the area’s geography, processes, and pollution. This concentration has a greater reliance on science and understanding the environmental science of the coastal marine environment. Approximately 40% of humanity lives within 60 miles of the coast. This is a critical environment that requires an in-depth understanding of aquatic ecosystems and processes.
Environmental Systems and Sustainability, B.S. - Environmental Systems
The Environmental Systems concentration focuses on solving environmental problems that are essentially terrestrial in nature, the solutions to which require understanding the very complex interactions between human systems and natural systems. Students focus on environmental problem-solving in terrestrial and coastal marine settings, with an emphasis on solving environmental problems such as water, food, and climate change, which are essentially terrestrial in nature.
Environmental Systems and Sustainability, B.S. - Sustainability Science and Environmental Policy
The Sustainability Science and Environmental Policy concentration uniquely offers critical practical and applied courses that are required to support a global transformation to a sustainable future, as well as address an essential skills gap in the growing environmental job market. Students are encouraged to pursue opportunities to become involved in research, work with faculty members, and undertake internships, as well as complete independent study projects and/or a thesis related to their own interests.
This concentration provides students with the theoretical background and practical skills necessary to ensure sustainability challenges are addressed effectively and meaningfully. This concentration focuses on skills development and experiential learning in areas such as public engagement, applied sustainability, and environmental policy analysis.
Research and Educational Opportunities
The Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies (WCCMS) provides innovative research and educational opportunities for all undergraduates and serves as a model for facilitating faculty collaboration in teaching and research.
Study Abroad
Southern provides students with the option of two short-term study-abroad experiences. You can choose to spend your summer in Iceland, earning 6 credits, or explore South Africa during the winter for 3 credits. Both programs count directly for the major and allow you to get ahead in credits over your break.
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Environment, Geography, and Marine Sciences
Contact
Dr. Vincent Bresllin