Environmental Studies (BS)

Federal CIP: 03.0103 Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies program at Southern Wesleyan University incorporates the conceptual focus areas of ecology, natural history, environmental economics, environmental law and policy, sustainability, and creation care into a curriculum that addresses current trends in research, public interest, and employment growth. The goal of the program is to create an engaging, relevant, multi-disciplinary program of study that prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in environmental consulting, environmental services, environmental education, and research arenas as well as for graduate degree programs in a variety of related fields. In addition to exploring scientific theory and practice, knowledge of the natural world, and legal issues, the Environmental Studies curriculum integrates the creation care elements of stewardship, ethics, and wilderness spirituality into the existing environmental dialog.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Studies are expected to exhibit and demonstrate an understanding of the following central ideas and concepts.

• Distributions and abundances of species are not random and there are usually underlying causes that can be investigated and uncovered.
• The maintenance of Earth’s biodiversity is of utmost importance and there are many factors which influence biodiversity.
• Familiarity with local flora and fauna and the ability to identify common species by sight and sound are rare and valuable skills.
• There are fundamental principles, practical benefits, appropriate methods, and unique challenges inherent to the concept of sustainability in the 21st century.
• Knowledge of environmental law and policy at local, national, and international levels is necessary for effectively understanding the range of environmental issues existing today.
• The role of the natural world in spiritual formation has significant historical roots and there are substantial reasons to promote the care of creation.