Environmental Studies Major - Policy and Management Specialization

Department Chair: Benjamin Steinhurs t, Ph.D.

Description

Environmental Studies is the interdisciplinary study of human-environmental relations with a focus on human influences on the environment and environmental problem solving. Environmental Studies at McDaniel College prepare you to become a leader, problem-solver, and environmental professional. You’ll graduate with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills needed to address socio-ecological challenges and create a better world. Students in Environmental Studies explore contemporary environmental issues and develop professional competencies through innovative courses based on experiential learning, scientific processes, community service, and considering diverse perspectives on our planet’s greatest challenges.

The policy and management specialization is an interdisciplinary program that trains students to become tomorrow’s policy and management professionals. Students in this specialization develop a deep understanding of the policies and processes that govern natural resource use in the United States and abroad. Student learning also focuses on contemporary environmental management practices used to sustain natural and built environments. The knowledge gained in this specialization prepares students to not only understand the structure and function of the natural ecosystems that provide environmental services to society, but also how to design, implement, and advocate for sustainable environmental management practices.

Requirements

Core (24 credits):

Select Four Specialization Courses From (16 credits):

(Two of the four courses must be at the 3000-level.)

ENG 3308 - Writing in Law and Policy
ENV 1132 - Geological Hazards
ENV 2118 - Changing Food Systems
ENV 2120 - Geographic Information Systems
ENV 2121 - Exploration of the Environment
ENV 2122 - Global Environmental Justice
ENV 2215 - Environmental Policy (required)
ENV 3106 - Conservation Biology
ENV 3111 - Sustainable Agriculture
ENV 3113 - Conservation Ethics
ENV 3114 - Wetland Ecology
PSI 1101 - Introduction to Political Science
Other environmental policy and management courses as selected by the student with their advisor

Additional Courses (8 credits):

Take one course from the Earth System Science Specialization and one course from the Environmental Biology Specialization.

Other courses may be substituted with approval from the Environmental Studies Department Chair.

Total Credit Hours: 48

Departmental Writing Requirement:

The Department of Environmental Studies extends writing through required core courses for the major. Student who major in Environmental Studies are required to take the courses as notated by the # symbol.

Requirements for Departmental Honors

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.