the Informer

Courtesy of studydiscussions.com

Starting during the Fall 2012 semester, the College of Arts & Sciences will be welcoming a new minor of Environmental Studies, headed by English Professor William Major.

One of the prominent reasons that the College of Arts & Sciences decided to start this minor program is because the University has several professors who have a background in environmental studies, such as Katherine Owens from the Politics and Government (POGO) program and Professor Bin Zhu from the Biology program.

“Environmental issues will be increasing in importance in the twenty-first century and we need to have an academic focus in this area of study. There is significant growth in environmental studies and environmental science programs throughout the country – thus there is student demand,” Professor Major said.

With the many environmental issues that we face today such as overpopulation and global warming, it is professors like Major who believe we need to make students more aware about what is going on in the world they live in.

The minor will consist of 19 to 21 credits.  Two courses that will be required are Fundamentals of Environmental Studies, which is a 100- level, 3 credit course and an Environmental Studies Capstone course which is a 400- level course and it is 1 credit as well.

Other courses involved include a variety of other environmental and chemistry courses such as Environmental Communication and Chemistry and the World around U.S.

Although the Environmental Studies minor program does not start until the fall, Professor Major tells us that the program is already getting recognition from students.

Many students are already enrolled in the current minor and also have a number of students who are doing contract majors in environmental science and studies as well.

“It is our hope that the new minor will garner interest from students across the University” said Professor Major, “Students in any discipline are welcome to minor in Environmental Studies.”

From pollution to nuclear, the world faces new environmental issues everyday.

With this new environmental studies minor program in full effect, students will learn about the causes  and the prevention of these issues.

This will become important when considering issues that will affect students’ futures and surroundings.

“Many students have already come to the University sensitized to a number of environmental issues. Other students have a vague notion that they want to know more about the challenges and opportunities that come with the keener environmental awareness,” said Professor Major.

Students who have graduated from environmental studies or science programs often go on to work in fields such as communication, education, government and many more.

The interest of this new minor program is already increasing, with many teachers and students desiring to become involved.

Professor Major and the rest of the staff working with this program are fully committed and intend to work closely with students to help them pursue their current and future interests.

They also hope to introduce students to the program who may not have had an interest before.