 USF Grows Greener:
New Environmental Studies Major is First Interdisciplinary Program Between the Arts and Sciences at USF
Solving today’s environmental challenges, from water and air pollution to global warming and habitat destruction, requires the work of scientists as well as public policy analysts, educators, and others. The University of San Francisco now offers a course of study for both types of would-be environmentalists—traditional scientists and other professionals who integrate knowledge from across disciplines in support of the environment.
The University has added an environmental studies major to its traditional environmental science program. The new major is the first interdisciplinary program between the arts and sciences ever to be offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. The program is a collaboration between the environmental science department and several departments in the arts, including politics, history, economics, theology, philosophy, and sociology.
Environmental studies emphasizes the ethical analysis of environmental issues and the promotion of environmental justice—including the right to a healthy environment. These ethical concerns, central to understanding the environment in the 21st century, are incorporated in much of the program’s curriculum, rather than only in isolated courses as is often the case in traditional environmental science programs. The environmental studies degree requires fewer science courses than environmental science, which has been a popular major at USF for many years.
“There is less chemistry, math, and biology than in environmental science, but enough that it gives students the background necessary to work in the environmental field,” said R. James Brown, chair of the environmental science department. About a dozen students have declared environmental studies as majors and Brown expects many more to follow. He has seen a strong interest in the study of the environment from students who are not as scientifically inclined as traditional environmental science majors, he said.
Politics Professor Patrick Murphy, who will teach Introduction to Environmental Politics and Policy as part of the program, said that in the past, several environmental science students have switched to politics to avoid the advanced science requirements.
“They were still interested in the topic, but they didn’t see themselves as practicing scientists,” Murphy said. “They were more interested in public policy, advocacy, and working for environmental organizations. There is a clear need for this interdisciplinary approach.”
While both environmental studies and environmental science students will take the same introductory courses, the programs diverge from there. Whereas environmental science students go on to advanced biology, chemistry, math, and physics, environmental studies students take politics, sociology, and theology. Environmental studies students will also be encouraged to study abroad in such places as Hungary, the Philippines, and Mexico to learn first hand about how cultural differences shape global environmental issues.
Approximately six departments within the College of Arts and Sciences are collaborating in the new degree program. Roughly half the courses required in the major are new, and others have been modified to fit the curriculum. New environmental studies courses include Environmental Policy, Environmental Sociology, Economics and the Environment, and Environmental Law.
The degree’s fusion of social science, economics, policy, and science courses prepares students to pursue careers such as waste management, environmental planning, parks and conservation, environmental education, pollution prevention, and other areas of environmental consulting. Environmental science majors, on the other hand, often pursue careers in environmental field work and analysis.
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