College Introduces New Major in Environmental Studies

Beginning in fall 2015, the new major promotes an understanding of the relationship between human beings and their environment.

A new major in environmental studies will begin in fall of 2015 at Manhattan College. Complementing the College’s existing major in environmental science, the environmental studies major is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the complex interrelationship among the scientific, political, economic, ethical, and cultural ideas that underlie environmental issues. The environmental studies program is designed as a major or minor for students within the School of Arts and as a minor or second major for students in other schools.

Geared toward science and non-science majors, the program serves to broaden students’ environmental education in ways that can help them prepare for future careers in the fields of environmental policy or education. The program also offers students who plan to pursue careers in science or engineering a crucial background for understanding the social context in which their work occurs.

“Students who graduate with a degree in environmental studies will have a broad-based outlook on the environment that will include science, social science and the humanities,” explains Jeffrey Myers, Ph.D., director of the environmental studies program and professor of English. “Our students will develop a valuable interdisciplinary perspective that will lead to careers in environmental policy, advocacy, education and communication.”

Manhattan College students who have graduated with the existing environmental studies minor have received jobs with organizations such as Groundwork Hudson Valley and the Maryland Public Interest Research Group.

For more information on the environmental studies program, interested students should contact Jeffrey Myers at jeffrey.myers@manhattan.edu or at (718) 862-7252.

MC Staff