Environmental and Earth Sciences

Professor Souchek

A concern for the environment, its resources, and its continuing sustainability is fundamental to our well-being as individuals and as members of the world community. Environmental and Earth Sciences students examine a range of topics that arise from the interaction of humans with the environment.

The department offers two Bachelor of Science degree majors. The Environmental Science major addresses the scientific dimensions of environmental challenges by requiring selection of one of five Emphasis Areas. The Environmental Studies major focuses on the human dimensions of environmental topics. This major provides broadly integrated opportunities related to the governmental, sociological, business and policy aspects of environmental challenges.

The curriculum is planned within a liberal arts context and includes studies in environmental policy, literature, economics, and history. Experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and field prepare graduates for careers and graduate study in science, business, government, law, and non-profit organizations.

Mission Statement

The Environmental and Earth Sciences Department at Doane University nurtures students’ perspectives on environmental topics and provides them with a thorough knowledge of environmental issues at the local, regional, and global levels. The curriculum will increase the students’ competence in addressing these issues and their origins, consequences, and solutions. Graduates will be prepared for careers or advanced study in a variety of environmental areas.

Outcomes

Students graduating with a major in environmental science or environmental studies will be able to:

Define and articulate the principles of the environmental and earth system sciences that apply to land, air, and water;
Identify and communicate the complex relationships between approaches to environmental issues and the diverse political, social, and economic perspectives on the environment;
Demonstrate information literacy by collecting and evaluating literature through capstone, presentation, and writing projects;
Express themselves clearly in written and oral form on a variety of environmental topics.
Apply the scientific method by engaging in hypothesis formation, testing, and problem solving;
Make informed decisions on issues of local, national and global environmental significance based on an understanding of the interrelationships between humans and natural earth systems.

Programs

Major

Minor

Environmental Studies Minor

Courses

Environmental Science

Geography

Geology