Environmental Studies A major that makes a real difference in our world. In January 2010, Saint Peter’s University established its Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies. This new major was implemented as President Barack Obama announced a tax credit program that will allocate $2.3 billion for the clean energy manufacturing sector, which is expected to create 17,000 jobs. With private firms investing $5.4 billion, this will also allow for the creation of an additional 41,000 jobs. “The president’s announcement of funding to advance employment in the environmental sector of our country could not have had better timing,” Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., stated. “We’re proud to be able to provide our students with the expertise to effectively fill career roles in the sustainable energy industry.” The Environmental Studies program at Saint Peter’s is aimed at providing students with the educational background and leadership skills necessary to effectively address the issues involved in the social, economic, political, cultural and technological context of ecological sustainability.
What can you do with an Environmental Studies degree? The Environmental Studies major will prepare students interested in the environment to enter the corporate world, government, media, community-based organizations, or the legal profession. Although based on a solid science foundation, it is not focused on students who are interested in a career in science. Students majoring in Environmental Studies will be able to: • synthesize and apply knowledge from the natural and social sciences, business, and the humanities to the study of environmental issues; • critically analyze environmental issues using an interdisciplinary approach; • incorporate ethical and legal concepts in the examination of environmental issues; • apply principles of economics and political strategies for the betterment of the environment; • use problem solving, creativity, and the scientific method to generate solutions to environmental problems and maximize sustainability; • distinguish between scientific and emotional arguments; • integrate and apply issues related to social justice into an understanding of environmental issues and policies; • integrate theory and practice through field and/or internship experiences. For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics 11/21
“We’re proud to be able to provide our students with the expertise to effectively fill career roles in the sustainable energy industry.” – Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D.
Program Goals: 1. Provide students with a solid foundation in the natural and social sciences and in an interdisciplinary perspective on environmental issues 2. Enable students to acquire an understanding of the social, economic, political, cultural and technological context of ecological sustainability 3. Provide a perspective grounded in ethical values 4. Through the choice of concentration within the major, relate the environmental topics to career options 5. Prepare students to become more informed citizens 6. Prepare students for graduate study
Make a difference to our world! Please contact Program Director David S. Surrey, Ph.D. at dsurrey@saintpeters.edu.