Environmental Studies

Associate Professor: Scullion (Department Chair). Assistant Professors: Christie and Engle. Affiliated Faculty: Kerwin, Leahy, Martinson, Marx, Mongiello, Morrison, Polen, and Semu.

Areas of particular teaching interest within the department: Professor Scullion: conservation biology, environmental policy and natural resource management; Professor Christie: geology, climatology, and wetlands; Professor Engle: agriculture, environmental justice, and sustainability.

Areas of related teaching interest of affiliated faculty: Professor Kerwin: marine biology; Professor Leahy: Latin American politics, developing nations; Professor Martinson: botany, ecology; Professor Marx: energy; Professor Mongiello: animal rights; Professor Morrison: coral reefs, herpetology, ecology of the Bahamas; Professor Polen: environmental chemistry; Professor Semu: globalization, international development, and food studies.

Specializations in the ENV Major

All ENV students are required to complete six core courses, which are listed under “Courses for Environmental Studies.” Students majoring in ENV then choose their area of specialization from three program tracks including: (1) Policy and Management, (2) Earth System Science, or (3) Biology.

Internships

McDaniel College’s location in the greater Washington-Baltimore region allows us to offer a number of valuable internship opportunities through government agencies, consulting firms, and various nonprofit organizations. Additionally, there are many opportunities for ENV students to take part in field-based courses and internships, including the School for Field Studies, Operation Wallecea, and Wild Rockies Field Institute. The ENV department is generously supported by a grant from the Cargill Foundation which provides “Cargill Experience Awards.” These awards offer students the opportunity to conduct field research, study abroad programs, or other experiential activities related to their career interests in ENV.

Honors in Environmental Studies

Honors in ENV will be awarded to graduating seniors who have earned at least a 3.50 GPA in the ENV major. Students who wish to receive Honors in ENV must enroll in the program by committing to a project that demonstrates their leadership in the field of environmental studies, such as serving as an officer of a student club, completing independent research, or engaging in other extra-curricular activities that support issues related to environmental sustainability.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Environmental Studies Minor