With rapidly increasing global population and demand for natural resources, scientists and administrators around the world are acknowledging the importance of understanding our "place" within the natural environment and focusing on the sustainability of human and ecological systems. Some of the current environmental issues addressed today include:
The mission of the Environmental Studies Minor Program is to increase awareness of the interrelationships that exist between humans and the physical environment. Students will broaden their understanding of environmental issues as well as connections between human-made and natural environments. Knowledge and skills acquired through the program will help prepare students for further academic studies or for an environment-related career.
For further information please contact , 432 Felmley Hall Annex, by phone at (309) 438-8115.
Today's employers seek individuals with more than one specialty as well as an ability to integrate information effectively. Coupled with increasing demand for environmental awareness, the environmental job market today is rich. Jobs are available from employers in all sectors of the market, including non-profit organizations, corporations, institutions, and federal, state and local governments. Here are just a few:
A minimum of 21 hours is required, distributed as shown below. Students must complete 9 hours in Group One and 9 hours in Group Two. To fulfill the remaining three required hours, the student must choose at least one option under Group Three. For further information contact the Department of Geography-Geology.
Below are the course options that students may choose to fulfill the requirements for the Minor. Consult the following link for catalogue course descriptions. For additional details on each course, contact the department directly.
Students may choose to pursue an environmentally, based internship to fulfill partially or fully the elective requirement. Arrangement for supervision of the internship experience must be handled through the student's major department. Prior approval from the Advisor of the Minor in Environmental studies is required for the student to receive credit for this experience toward fulfilling the requirements for the Minor.