University of Minnesota, Morris
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major under the authority of the vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean. The program is administered by the environmental studies program coordinator. Objectives—The environmental studies major is designed to serve those interested in a broad knowledge of the natural environment and the role of humans in it. Students acquire a foundation of knowledge in economics, policy, science, humanities, and statistics. Carefully chosen electives, a required practical internship or research experience, and a capstone seminar provide depth of experience and help students prepare for graduate and professional programs, as well as for careers in education, government service, and the private sector. Learning Outcomes: 1. Environmental competency. Awareness and understanding of one’s own impacts as well as broader human-environment interactions; ability to think critically about individual and collective choices and future consequences thereof. 2. Environmental issues as multifaceted and multidisciplinary. Understanding the underpinnings of modern environmental movements and problems, including but not limited to basic ecology, ethical principles, meaning(s) of nature, and ways of valuing (e.g. economic, intrinsic) our environment; ability to articulate diverse perspectives on major environmental challenges. 3. Knowledge of major environmental challenges. Ability to articulate and effectively address major intertwined challenges including climate change, loss of biodiversity, water pollution and scarcity, human security and environmental justice, and legacy pollution such as hazardous or nuclear waste sites. 4. Research methods and creative expression. Familiarity with several qualitative and quantitative methods germane to environmental studies; successful application of at least one such method in the context of a major assignment or project. 5. Cultivating an understanding of place in global context. Understanding of interactions among biophysical, economic, and social aspects of particular places or regions and connections to larger global forces or issues; for example, the relationships of various agricultural production systems to the biophysical, social and economic landscapes in western Minnesota and how these systems relate to state, national and global contexts of food policy, food production and distribution patterns, climate change, and other issues. A University of Minnesota, Morris environmental studies major begins with a rigorous core curriculum in economics, policy, science, humanities, and statistics. A carefully chosen set of upper–level electives lets you delve deeply into a specific environmental area.

The Environmental Science major is for students interested in an interdisciplinary science education that prepares them to deal with environmental challenges. The basic natural resources of land, air, and water are studied in the context of protecting and sustaining the environment. Students become knowledgeable about environmental issues and applied environmental science. The environmental science curriculum draws courses predominantly from the disciplines of the Division of Science and Mathematics. Learning Outcomes: The program prepares students to be able to: *demonstrate a strong basis of knowledge about the basic natural resources of land, air, and water; *exhibit awareness about the problems arising from the interaction of human society and natural environment; *effectively apply skills in techniques of applied environmental science, including experiment design, collection of data and analysis of experimental results; *demonstrate skill in oral and written presentation of scientific problems that pertain to the environment.

This is an interdisciplinary major under the authority of the vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean. The program is administered by the coordinator(s) of Native American and Indigenous Studies. The Native American and Indigenous Studies major is designed to enhance students' awareness and their overall knowledge about sovereignty and the diversity of indigenous cultures with primary focus on the United States. Majors are required to engage and learn Native American histories, cultures, literatures, languages, arts, sciences, and expressive cultures. Learning Outcomes: Native American and Indigenous Studies promotes critical thinking, writing, and communication skills that are also rooted in indigenous knowledge systems and community involvement by * developing proficiency in core concepts in the field of Native American and Indigenous Studies; * locating, exploring, and critically analyzing texts relevant to Native American and Indigenous Studies; * acquiring an awareness of the complexities of tribal sovereignty; * developing skills and knowledge necessary to engage in collaborative and ethical research within Indigenous Studies; * applying interdisciplinary skills and approaches in the study of indigenous peoples within local and global contexts; and * writing and speaking effectively

The American Indian Studies major and minor is designed to enhance a student’s awareness and their overall knowledge about sovereignty and the diversity of Indigenous cultures throughout all of Native North America.

This new area of emphasis prepares students to play a leading role in solving environmental problems and developing sustainable practices in a wide range of contexts.