Environmental studies is the systematic study of human interaction with the natural environment. The environmental studies curriculum provides interdisciplinary, career-focused majors and a minor. An integral part of the program is the use of the greater Chicago metropolitan region as a laboratory for study. With increasing public demand for more environmentally friendly products and services, our metropolitan Chicago location provides a multitude of opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences while participating in and developing innovative sustainability initiatives for both public and private sectors. Classroom instruction, internships, fieldwork, and research projects are combined with field trips, guest speakers, and practical experiences to provide a comprehensive learning experience. An increasing sense of global urgency has created a demand for environmental experts. Students with a degree in environmental studies pursue careers in a variety of fields depending on their interests, skills, and experience. Careers for environmental studies majors include: environmental policy analysis for city, state, and federal government agencies; urban and regional planning; environmental advocacy; natural resource management, and private sector businesses (including technology companies, environmental consulting firms, construction companies, oil companies, and law firms). A degree in environmental studies also prepares students for graduate study in a variety of disciplines and programs. Among the possibilities are advanced degrees in environmental studies, political science, environmental ethics/ philosophy, urban studies and planning, communications, geography, geographical information systems, law, public administration, and natural sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes

After completing the major in environmental studies, students will be able to:

• Articulate the interconnected and interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies;

• Demonstrate an integrative approach to environmental issues with a focus on sustainability;

• Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and the methodological approaches of the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities in environmental problem solving;

• Communicate complex environmental information to both technical and non-technical audiences;

• Understand and evaluate the global scale of environmental problems; and

• Reflect critically on their roles, responsibilities, and identities as citizens, consumers and environmental actors in a complex, interconnected world.

Environmental Studies Program Mission Statement:

The Environmental Studies Program at Elmhurst University focuses on worldwide environmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary academic courses, internships, experiential, and co-curricular activities our students become passionate stewards of the environment, scholars in sustainability and environmental management, and experts in environmental studies. With a focus on environmental justice, students develop critical-thinking skills, analyze real-world problems, and understand the power of narrative to create sustainable solutions for local and global communities.

Environmental Studies Program Goals:

To provide students with a broad interdisciplinary liberal arts framework for understanding the relationship between humans and their environment;

To provide students with informed perspectives on biological and physical processes relevant to environmental problems, to help students understand responsible environmental policy and practice, and to engage students in ethical reflection regarding environmental problems in local, regional, national, and global communities;

To prepare students for careers, citizenship, and environmental stewardship through experiential curricular and co-curricular opportunities;

To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue professional careers and advanced study related to the multifaceted nature of environmental studies; and

To serve as an environmental resource, through service, outreach, and engagement, to the Chicago metropolitan region.

Environmental Studies Program Objectives:

Students will integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines representing physical and life sciences perspectives, political and economic perspectives, and social and cultural perspectives on humans’ interactions with their environments;

Students will contribute to and facilitate interdisciplinary research and problem solving, through independent and collaborative work;

Director: Kelly K. Mikenas