The Environmental Studies Program at Washington & Jefferson College provides an opportunity to earn a Major or Minor in Environmental Studies. Students are presented with the tools, ideas, and opportunities to engage constructively with environmental and social issues spawned from the dynamics of globalization, human population, economic activity, and societal values. Accordingly, the process and goal of sustainable development is the integrative theme throughout the Program. Students in the Program study and interact with the environment from aesthetic, social, ethical, technological and scientific perspectives. Students are taught to be problem-solvers, applying critical thinking skills and creative imagination in analyzing complex environmental matters.
Several internship opportunities may be built into the Program, including the Ocean Mammals Institute, Student Conservation Association, Audubon Society of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc., Center for Coalfield Justice and various biologically-related internships. Under the supervision of the Director of Environmental Studies, some of these internships may be taken for independent study credits.
The Program Director assists students to obtain grant, fellowship, and scholarship monies. A list of current funding sources and the Environmental Education website are good places to start. The Program also assists students in identifying and preparing for a career in the environmental arena. This is accomplished through environmental career days, bringing professionals in to the classroom and in the dissemination of career resources.
