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What is Environmental Studies?
No matter how sophisticated our technology becomes, society will always require from the environment fertile soil, clean air, pure water, a stable climate, and an ozone umbrella to shield us from harmful radiation. The fragile and delicate ecological checks and balances that have sustained life since its origin more than three billion years ago are only now beginning to be understood. But much remains to be learned; for example we can predict with certainty the orbital characteristics of a weather satellite, yet ironically, we are often unable to predict with certainty tomorrow's weather. Harmful intrusions into the environment can be a result of how we use technology. These intrusions can also be considered in their behavioral, social and political contexts.
These cultural, economic, political, scientific, technological and social complexities presented by our interactions with the environment present some of the most formidable intellectual challenges facing us today. As a consequence, any single perceived environmental issue involves the interlacing of many of our liberal arts disciplines.
The faculty teaching the Environmental Studies Program draw their expertise from a wide spectrum of disciplines. We are committed to involving participants fully in the multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems and the search for solutions. The programs in the Environmental Studies Department provide firm, integrated foundations in both the social-political-cultural and the scientific-technical areas. This preparation will make students environmentally aware members of society in many professions, graduate study in Environmental Studies/Sciences, or both.
What Do You Need to Know?
Environmental Studies is an area of knowledge that can lead you in many directions. What do you need to know, in order to enter this area and get a job?
- You need broad knowledge, based on social, natural and political sciences and economics, to understand the complexities of environmental issues and their possible solutions.
- You need to be fluent in written, spoken, and computer communications.
- You need an area of in-depth specialization within the broader Environmental Studies area. Specializations fall into two broad groups, environmental sciences and technology, and environmental policy and management.
- You need practical experience outside the classroom that you can get from internships and research on environmental matters.
- You need drive!
- To rise above the entry-level jobs available to most bachelors' degree holders, a masters' degree can help you to achieve:
- synthesis of base-level disciplines
- direct independent research experience
- upper level group problem-solving experience
- critical reading, communication, and writing skills
- vital testimony to your abilities to originate, organize, and conduct a complex environmental project
When considering our curriculum and our faculty, you should engage as many areas of knowledge as thoroughly as you are capable of doing. Come to know both your strengths and your interests, and expand upon them. Take advantage of every possible opportunity.
And talk, call, or e-mail any or all of us.
Contact
For additional information, please contact:
Anagnostis Agelarakis
Director
Environmental Studies
Science Building, Rm 103
p - 516.877.4112
f - 516.877.4209
e - agelarak@adelphi.edu
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