Environmental Studies B.A. Program Outcomes
The mission of the environmental studies program is the preparation of effective future environmental problem solvers. The program strives to teach: 1. Key environmental concepts from a wide variety of academic disciplines; 2. How these concepts interact and manifest themselves in our most critical modern day environmental problems ; 3. The root causes of these problems as well as potential solutions; and 4. Key strategies and considerations for effective implementation of these solutions
Program Learning Outcomes:
The Environmental Studies Program Advisory Board has identified the following 6 learning outcomes for students in its undergraduate program. These outcomes include cognitive outcomes, or what we expect students to know when they have completed our program. They also include behavioral outcomes, or what we expect students to be able to demonstrate once they leave the program. Finally, they include affective outcomes, or what we consider critical values for any environmental studies program graduate.
Students completing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies will have:
1. Knowledge of Key Concepts. Graduates will have the ability to understand and use key environmental concepts (ecosystem structure/function, environmental policy making, environmental advocacy, economic growth vs sustainable development, globalization, resource depletion/pollution etc..) from numerous academic disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Environmental Education and History).
2. Knowledge of concept integration. Graduates will have the ability to integrate the above key concepts into a comprehensive understanding of environmental problems, their root causes and potential solutions.
Students completing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies will demonstrate the following skills:
Ability to critically examine environmental problems. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically examine and integrate via appropriate analytical methodologies and tools the many interdisciplinary threads of a particular environmental problem (ie., global climate change, energy, water, food production/distribution, pollution/resource depletion etc..) and pose potential solutions as well as methods for their implementation.
Effective written, graphic and oral communication. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the full complexity and scope of environmental problems, their historical/root causes and potential solutions to an interdisciplinary audience via appropriate and effective written, graphic and oral modes of communication.
Students completing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies will value:
Interdisciplinary Communication. Graduates will understand and value the critical need to communicate effectively with a wide diversity of individuals (natural and social scientists, economists, policy makers, the general public etc.,) in the search for effective solutions to environmental problems and their implementation.
Sustainability. Students will understand and value the fact that sustainability encompasses equally important environmental, economic and social dimensions.