Earlham College
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental Studies at Earlham is an interdisciplinary program of study purposefully designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for engagement with both current and future environmental problems and problem solving. Students may pursue either a major or minor.

nvironmental Science at Earlham happens in the classroom, in the field and in your residence hall. Because environmental science is inherently interdisciplinary, understanding and mitigating environmental problems requires integration of many different disciplines, both within the natural sciences and across the curriculum and co-curriculum. Our distinctive approach allows environmental scientists who graduate from Earlham to understand how environments work and apply the skills needed to better our world. Special Learning Opportunities Students focus on biology, chemistry, geology or physics after taking their introductory courses. Coupled with electives in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, Environmental Science students are able to integrate and synthesize their varied experience, speaking to the interplay of environments and human societies during individual research experiences required for the major. Many students also participate in off-campus study in places as varied as New Zealand, Tanzania and the Galapagos Islands. We provide research opportunities in each of the focus disciplines: Geology, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Outcomes Almost half of Earlham alumni pursue advanced degrees within 10 years of graduation, and we rank 30th nationally for the percentage of graduates who earn doctoral degrees.

The environmental studies minor is offered through the Environmental Studies program and is open to students of any major who wish to study the environment from interdisciplinary perspectives.

The Outdoor Education Designation is designed to prepare students for a leadership role in the professional field of Outdoor Education. Through a combination of coursework and experiential learning, the Designation emphasizes educational and environmental theory, interpersonal and leadership skills, and an introduction to technical skills such as backpacking, canoeing and rock climbing. Third and fourth year students interested in completing the Designation should register for CIL Professional Issues in Outdoor Education in the Spring. Designation Declaration Form Certificate Requirements Outdoor Trip Leadership (offered over Spring Break) 1 credit Advanced Field Practicum OR Wilderness First Responder (offered during May Term) 1-3 credits 1 activity specific Instructors Course (climbing, backpacking, canoeing) .5 credits 1 qualifying field practicum experience (e.g. leading an AWPE course, August Wilderness, internship, or other similar experience) 1 qualifying education-related academic course (from approved list) 3-4 credits 1 qualifying natural science-related academic course (from approved list) 3-4 credits A capstone portfolio** including the following: A statement on personal educational philosophy A critical reflection essay on qualifying practicum field experience A sample written lesson plan from qualifying field experience An outdoor-focused resume **portfolio reviewed by the Outdoor Education faculty