Overview
Are you interested in shaping our common environmental future? Would you like to help organizations become more sustainable, collect field data that informs relevant environmental decisions, or develop forward-thinking environmental policies? If you want to use your passion, knowledge and skills to promote positive change, then environmental studies might be right for you.
At Keene State, the environmental studies major offers a unique experience that includes small classes, hands-on learning via in-course field experiences, internships, student capstone projects, and undergraduate research opportunities, and a commitment to preparing students with lifelong skills in critical thinking and professional growth. Our department works closely with students to provide support for their success, and we believe in an interdisciplinary curriculum because it is critical to have a basic understanding of both human and natural systems to affect change.
Our faculty have experience in local, regional, and international environmental affairs. Local partnerships allow students to participate in solving current environmental problems such as air pollution caused by woodsmoke, ecological restoration of river systems, and climate change-related issues.
The Ashuelot River watershed and the Monadnock region provide excellent locations for field studies, with relatively undisturbed forests and wetlands in close proximity.
Program Options
Beyond the basic requirements of the major, our students have great flexibility to focus on our natural science or human dimensions courses, and choose an allied minor to broaden their learning or expand potential job opportunities. Popular minors include Geography, Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences, Biology, Communications, and minor in Sustainability. Many students also choose to minor in Environmental Studies or in our new Sustainability minor.
Environmental Studies Minor Options
Sustainability (Minor)
Explore innovative solutions to the degradation of nature and associated social injustices. Discover technological, social, and ethics-based approaches that can enable more harmonious and sustainable dynamics between humans and nature. Students address the essential question of sustainability: How can we best live without degrading our life-support systems, and create conditions that nurture the flourishing of other beings and future generations?
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Career and Other Opportunities
Our students go on to work for businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and consulting companies as environmental health and safety managers, environmental consultants, field technicians, research assistants, and project coordinators.
Outcomes
The environmental studies major provides students with a conceptual framework and set of skills needed to make effective, relevant, and sustaining contributions to society with respect to environmental issues, both as professional practitioners and as individual citizens.
Through regional field and inquiry-based projects, students gain knowledge and develop skills in investigating environmental issues and formulating solutions.
