The Environmental Policy major integrates natural science with social and governmental processes.
This major prepares students to respond effectively to a wide range of ecological, social, and environmental issues. The major provides a broad understanding of the creation and implementation of environmental policy. The concepts of ecosystem management and political theory are used to examine the link between ecological and social systems. Students view environmental problems from a range of disciplinary perspectives, exploring the role of science in policy making, analyzing how social and cultural constraints affect management decisions, and examining methods for conflict resolution. The interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students for leadership positions by emphasizing management skills such as geographic information systems (GIS), environmental and social impact assessment, and economic analysis. Graduates are well prepared for graduate or professional school, and environmental policy positions in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Majoring in Environmental Planning, students can earn a bachelor of arts degree.