Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/environmentalstudies

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program drawing on social and physical science, the humanities and the arts to provide students a broad understanding of the relationship between humans and the earth. Housed within the Departmental of Geography & Environmental Studies, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program emphasizes environmental policy and social and economic aspects of the environment while providing a background in earth science. Much of environmental studies focuses on public and political discourse about scientific uncertainty, assessment of risks, and economic costs and benefits. Students majoring in Environmental Studies gain theoretical perspective and practical experience through a combination of coursework, activism, policymaking, applied-learning opportunities, and a capstone seminar.

The Environmental Studies minor gives an overview of the causes and consequences of our current environmental problems and provides basic tools and understanding students will need to become active participants in the solutions. Coursework comes from several academic departments in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the School of Science & Engineering.

For more information about the Environmental Studies program, please contact:

Lawrence McGlinn, Chair
Department of Geography & Environmental Studies
Science Hall 115
mcglinnl@newpaltz.edu
845-257-2696

Environmental Studies (BA) Program Learning Outcomes

Environmental Studies students will

  • Define concepts and utilize methods from the social sciences as they pertain to analysis of environmental policies and institutions.
  • Apply basic concepts and methods of physical science to environmental problem solving.
  • Describe the interdependent relationship between human and natural systems at scales ranging from local to global.
  • Apply systems and sustainability concepts and methodologies to analyze interactions between social and environmental processes.
  • Gain proficiency in interpretive methodologies and ethics relating to ecological degradation, power and social position, and environmental struggles.