About the Program
Study the relationships between people, places and the natural environment. Be at the forefront of crucial topics like climate change, natural resource management and human geography – the exploration of how people impact and interact with their environment. You will combine scientific analysis with practical skills, preparing to address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
The Polytechnic Approach
Develop environmental models in the Geographic Information Systems lab, analyze natural disasters to improve methods of emergency preparedness and evaluate our impact on the local community. You will learn using the latest technologies and apply your classroom studies in the field, seeing environmental issues firsthand and building practical skills that will translate directly to graduate studies or a career in environmental organizations, government or private firms.
Career Outcomes
Courses
Our Environmental Studies option emphasizes the analysis of environmental policies, management practices, and sustainability issues. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how human activities impact natural systems and learn to develop strategies for mitigating these effects. You will be prepared for careers as environmental analysts, managers, or policy makers, with roles often found in government agencies, environmental organizations, and private sector firms. This option also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced studies in environmental science or related fields.
Professor of Geography
Kristen Conway-Gómez
"As a human-environment geographer, my research is focused on peoples' use of natural resources, especially wildlife, in rural Latin American communities. My research examines the impacts of human use on wildlife with a goal of searching for conservation solutions. I have conducted research in Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras."