Environmental Studies Program

Introduction
Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Programs and Courses Offered

Program Coordinator

John Bock

Program Office/Website

Humanities 420A
657-278-4373
hss.fullerton.edu/envstud

Program Council and Thesis/Project Advisers

Gordon Bakken (History), John Bock (Anthropology), David Bowman (Geological Sciences), April Bullock (Liberal Studies), Matt Calarco (Philosophy), , Peter Fashing (Anthropology), John Foster (Geological Sciences), Jane Hall (Economics), A. Scott Hewitt (Chemistry and Biochemistry), William Hoese (Biological Science), Mike Horn (Biological Science), Danny Kim (Health Sciences), Jeff Kuo (Civil Engineering), William Laton (Geological Sciences), Elaine Lewinnek (American Studies), Nga Nguyen (Anthropology), Morteza Rahmatian (Economics), Harold Rogers (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Darren Sandquist (Biological Science), Jochen Schenk (Biological Science), Denise Stanley (Economics), Paul Stapp (Biological Science), Jonathan S. Taylor (Geography), Justin Tucker (Political Science), Robert Voeks (Geography), Jindong Wu (Geography)

Introduction

The master’s program in Environmental Studies is a broadly based interdisciplinary program that focuses on human interaction with the environment. The program is geared for students entering or seeking to advance in the rapidly expanding environmental field. Because the scale and scope of environmental issues varies from local and practical to international and theoretical, the program seeks to integrate knowledge and approaches from a range of related disciplines in the sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. Topics include sustainability, environmental policy, management, health, pollution, law, philosophy, economics, planning, regulation and education. Given the range of their academic backgrounds, students are encouraged to craft a study plan that meets their own particular career or vocational goals. Students demonstrate their expertise in one of the environmental concentrations by preparing a thesis or project. Students select one of two tracks:

The Environment and Society track addresses the concepts and methods of the social, behavioral and health sciences as applied to environmental policy and planning. Topical concerns include urban and regional planning, environmental health, environmental impact, regulation, law, ethics, economics and environmental education. Students in this track come from many backgrounds, including the natural, health or social and behavioral sciences, or the humanities.

The Environmental Sciences and Technology track deals with applying scientific and engineering principles to environmental issues. Topical concerns include environmental ecology, water and air resources, water management, toxicology and environmental geology. Students in this track typically have a strong background in biology, chemistry, earth science, engineering, geography, geology or mathematics.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following learning goals and outcomes have been established for students pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies:

Communication and Leadership Skills

Write with clarity of thought, expression, style and usage
Design and present oral presentations that summarize and interpret information in an effective manner
Demonstrate effective team leadership in a diverse environment

Interpret, Analyze, and Synthesize

Analyze sustainability through social, economic, and ecological lenses
Evaluate challenges and develop effective solutions to complex problems

Information and Research Skills and Knowledge

Apply quantitative and qualitative methods as appropriate to environmental research
Utilize information resources and technology to organize and evaluate environmental research

Ethics

Evaluate situations in terms of ethical standards and practices
Exemplify professional conduct characterized by ethical standards

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

Master of Science

Environmental Studies, M.S.

Courses

Environmental Studies

Courses are designated as ENST in the class schedule