The Environmental Studies B.A. degree provides the opportunity for students to go on to attend graduate and professional schools as well as work in private and public sectors of the economy. This major is particularly suited for careers in education, government, green business, non-profit agencies, and natural resource management of public, private, and tribal lands. The minor Environmental Studies degree allows students from other majors to achieve a broad background in the fundamentals of the Environmental Science field. Many of the agencies listed above hire more than just scientists. Lawyers, accountants, business managers, law enforcement – this minor will allow these students to transition and thrive in any of these positions that touch on natural resource management and environmental science.
Although students who minor in Environmental Studies will not achieve competency in all outcomes described in the BA Environmental Studies program, they will complete key assignments in a subset of courses that will illustrate competency in specific analytical skills that are essential to Environmental Studies thinking. Program learning outcomes can be found on the Science Department page of the catalog.
BA Environmental Studies measures of success:
1. Understand the scientific, historical, political and legal complexities of water resource management that include pollution and usage. HU students with Environmental Studies degrees will be able to contribute to and influence future water use policies and conservation from the local community to the national scale.
2. Provide a diverse background in the fundamental natural sciences: geology, ecology, chemistry, and biology. Ability to engage environmental questions in the realm of science, policy, and cultural values.
3. Distinguish variations within different land-use management policies and planning.
4. Identify theoretical questions that are critical to environmental studies.
5. Summarize the ideas of major thinkers who have influenced this area of study in the past and present.
6. Identify, locate, evaluate, synthesize and present current research and information on environmental issues.
7. Discuss the major theories and concepts of Environmental Studies and its subfields.
8. Effectively present research findings.
9. Write clearly on environmental issues.
