The Minor in Environmental Studies consists of an interdisciplinary program that explores the range of contemporary environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, agricultural and food practices, water resources, energy, and natural resource depletion. Issues are explored from a scientific point of view as well as from policy, economic, and social perspectives. The program develops critical thinking and research skills. A final research project focuses on developing credible solutions to local or regional environmental problems. The minor is often pursued by students majoring in biology, chemistry, earth science, and geography but is appropriate for majors in any field who have an interest in the environment.
Many students have expressed a desire to relate their major program of study to their concern for the environment. In response to this interest, the Department of Science Education and Environmental Studies offers a minor in environmental studies, which students may pursue in consultation with the Environmental Studies Coordinator and their major adviser. Students also may elect a freestanding minor in environmental studies in conjunction with any major, including a liberal studies major, or they may concentrate in environmental studies as part of a major in biology, chemistry, earth science, or geography.