Degrees & Programs Environmental Studies Major
Engage pressing environmental issues and practice stewardship of the earth.
Widespread environmental problems rank among the most pressing global issues of our time, and their scientific, social and moral dimensions require a sophisticated, informed and compassionate response. The Environmental Studies major cultivates a deep understanding of human connections to the natural world so you can analyze and debate complex environmental problems and devise constructive, imaginative solutions. You’ll discover how to practice stewardship of the earth in the context of Christian theology and social and environmental ethics. You'll also develop the knowledge and skills to engage contemporary environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, pollution, resource depletion, climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and sustainable development from local to global scales.
Requirements for the Major: 20 units
ENV 001 Introduction to Environmental Studies (4)
At least one course must be taken from each of the three following areas.
| Natural Sciences | Social Sciences | Humanities |
Other natural science environmental courses offered at Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies or other Westmont-approved off-campus programs (e.g., Environmental Applications in GIS, Biological Agriculture, Conservation Biology, Land Resources, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Chemistry). |
Other social science environment courses offered at Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies or other Westmont-approved off-campus programs (e.g., Environmental Law and Politics, International Development and Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Community Development) |
Other humanities courses with a substantive environmental component, (e.g. RS-116 The Apocalypse, RS-134 Gender in Theological Perspective). Other Electives: ENV-190 Environmental Studies Internship (1-4) [may be distributed into the three areas as appropriate.] PEA-067A Trail Hiking and Running (1) Other natural science, social science, or humanities courses with a substantive environmental component, special topics courses, or senior seminars may be approved by the major advisor. At least two courses must be upper-division. Courses may have prerequisites. For courses where environmental issues are not the sole focus, students should choose an environment-related issue for any independent project assigned, as approved by the major advisor. |
ENV 001 Introduction to Environmental Studies (4) This course is an introduction to the main features of the environment and global environmental issues. It uses an interdisciplinary approach that includes environmental science, ethics, literature, history, politics, sociology, and economics. It cultivates a deep understanding of individual and corporate connections to the natural world in all its diversity, and helps students develop an interdisciplinary knowledge base and set of skills to engage contemporary environmental issues from local to global scales. It also situates stewardship of the earth in the context of Christian theology and social environmental ethics, fosters an ability to analyze and debate complex environmental problems, and devise constructive, imaginative strategies to address them.
ENV 190 Environmental Studies Internship (1-4) Prerequisite: ENV 001. Internship experience in environment-related fields such as environmental advocacy, communication, art, or writing; resource management, wildlife management, habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, green business, wildness therapy, or nature literacy. Internships will preferably be performed in Santa Barbara or in conjunction with the Westmont in San Francisco program.
Faculty Highlights
She studies the evolutionary ecology of reptiles and advises the Environmental Studies major.
She is an art historian who writes on the role of visual art in worship.
She is an invertebrate zoologist working with Eastern Pacific gorgonian corals who loves spending time exploring tide pools up and down the west coast.
He examines the associations between religion/spirituality and population health and well-being.
He’s an internationally known expert on biology, love and religious belief.
He has research interests in moral and political philosophy, especially political obligation and state authority, distributive justice, property rights, and some more practical public policy issues related to poverty.
She inspires global health students to be involved locally and throughout the world.
Career Paths
A strong education in environmental studies will prepare you in innumerable ways for careers in governmental, academic, for-profit and/or non-profit institutions. Potential career paths include environmental law, green business, science journalism, wilderness therapy, outdoor education, natural resource management, restoration ecology, and sustainable agriculture.