Unfortunately, human-environment interactions also have seriously disrupted the natural processes sustaining life in all its forms. Only by examining our dependence on our environment, and the causes and consequences of our impacts on that environment, will we be able to fashion ways of living equitably and sustainably with other species. An important practical goal of environmental studies, therefore, is to provide effective cultural solutions to our environmental problems. Arriving at these solutions requires an understanding of the scientific, societal and ethical dimensions of the problems. Consequently, ideas and information from a wide array of fields such as public policy, economics, anthropology, history, philosophy, psychology, religion, ecology, biology and chemistry are important components of the Environmental Studies minor.
Though Centre students and faculty have a long history of interest and action in environmental questions, the academic minor in Environmental Studies was established relatively recently. The courses and programs in this area will continue to develop in the future in response to experiences of our students.
Why Pursue an Environmental Studies Minor?
The most direct reason for pursuing a minor in environmental studies is that the questions addressed in this field are critically important. Questions such as: “How might a community respond to the demographic and environmental impact of a new manufacturing company?” or “What happens to ecosystems and economic systems when introduced species become invasive?”
A second reason is that the courses and experiences that become part of your environmental studies minor are intrinsically interesting. Topics such as: “How does an ecosystem respond to changes in climate factors?” or “How have cultural attitudes toward nature influenced the literature of the society?”
And finally, a minor in environmental studies can help one prepare for graduate study and careers in a wide range of important fields. The minor is particularly appropriate for students planning on attending graduate school in environmental studies as well as those who wish to incorporate an environmental dimension into a professional career such as law, public health, or business. It can be combined with any of Centre’s major programs.
Barbara Kingsolver, author and environmentalist, delivered Centre's 2005 Commencement address,
"Picking up the bread".Click image for full text
The minor in environmental studies requires seven courses and is arranged in three levels. This structure is designed to provide a solid background in the fundamental principles of environmental studies, to allow the student some flexibility in tailoring the program to fit their particular interests, and finally to provide opportunity for the student to synthesize these concepts in a context related to the student’s major program. Most often, the capstone independent study will be coordinated between the Environmental Studies program and the student’s major program. Link to the Centre Online Catalog
| Fundamental Background | ENS 210 Introduction to Environmental Studies ECO 355 Environmental Economics1 OR HIS 361 American Environmental History BIO 370 Principles of Ecology Prerequisites: Bio 110 and Bio 210 |
| Focus a total of three courses, at least one from each area |
Social/Political Analysis ANT 321 Intro to Applied Anthropology ANT 350 Ecological Anthropology Prerequisites: ANT 110 and ANT 120. ECO 355 Environmental Economics1 (if not taken to fulfill the fundamental background requirement) ECO 350 Tourism & Sustainable Development1 ENS 252 / ECO 345 Sustainability GOV 350 Global Environmental Politics & Policy HIS 361 American Environmental History (if not taken to fulfill the fundamental background requirement) REL 453 World Hunger & Ecology Scientific/Technological Analysis |
| Senior Capstone Project | Either an Internship or Independent Study with an environmental emphasis.
This project should draw upon and complement the student's major field. Subject to approval by the ENS program committee.
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2004
Meghan Langley, Assessing the Impact of Land Use Practices on Water Quality in the Kentucky River Drainage Basin, pdf file
2005
Becky Barrick, Nest Box Study of House Sparrow: Reproductive and Foraging Behavior, pdf file, powerpoint file
Scott Duzan, Links Between Golf and the Environment, pdf file, powerpoint file
Erin Henegar, Environmental Education: A Look at its Purpose, Methods, and Effectiveness, pdf file, powerpoint file
Courtney Holt,Conservation Efforts and Economic Feasibility of Preserving Clematis socialis, powerpoint file
Forest Miller,Effects of Exposed Coal on Water Quality Parameters, pdf file, powerpoint file
2006
Josh Abbott, The Role of Scientists In Environmental Policy Process, pdf file, powerpoint file
Allison Carlyle, Reducing Waste: A Scientific and Economic Analysis or Recycling, pdf file, powerpoint file
ENS Alumni (most recent update, summer 2006)
2005
Meghan Langley - U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Panama City FL Ecological Office, private lands restoration
2005
Becky Barrick - candidate for M.S., Environmental Science, University of Indiana
Scott Duzan - fisheries technician, Hawaii
Erin Henegar - candidate for M.S., Environmental Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Courtney Holt - graduate school, Auburn Univ.
Forest Miller - environmental chemist, McCoy & McCoy Engineering Consultants, Madisonville, KY
2006
Josh Abbott - gradute school in chemistry, University of Tennessee
Allison Carlyle -
Centre College aims to prepare students for lives of learning, leadership and service. This is particularly true for students engaged in the interdisciplinary minor in Environmental Studies. Students following this program will find careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in local and state agencies, federal government, corporations, consulting firms, international and intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental and community-based organizations
Please follow these links for:
Environmental Career Information
Graduate Programs in the Environmental Sciences
Students may also be interested in becoming involved with the campus organization ECCO (Environmentally Conscious Centre Organization). This group is engaged in a range of educational and service activities both on our campus and in the local community.
Summer collaborative research opportunities:
Miami University, Dept of Ecology and Environmental Science.
Northern Arizona Univerisity.
Centre College is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South (ACS) and participates in that organization's Environmental Initiative. This program provides internship and study opportunities in a variety of situations.