Our Focus-Real World Solutions

Seeking to address the economic and social perspective of environmental issues, Wesleyan’s Environmental Certificate Program was developed by faculty in the mid-1990s.  Since these issues can be approached from many sides, a thorough understanding of their intricacies requires a multidisciplinary background spanning a wide portion of a liberal arts curriculum. The Program requirements have recently been redefined to expand the scope of coursework to include study outside the traditional realms of biology, earth & environmental sciences, government, chemistry, biology, and economics.

Topics of special interest within the certificate program include: global climate change and its expected impact on society; and creation of a sustainable economy; food production; population growth; clean air and water; biodiversity; resource efficiency; environmental justice; and responsible environmental policies among industrial and commercial enterprises. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects and field research aimed at real-world solutions to environmental crises.

Why Choose a Certificate Program?

Opportunities:

Career Development

Community Service

Global Focus

Internships

Research

Program Requirements

Participants are required to complete a total of seven courses to receive the certificate. One of the seven courses must be either Introduction to Environmental Studies (BIOL/E&ES 197) or Introduction to Environmental Science (E&ES 199).  The remaining six courses must be chosen across three departments from an inter-departmental list of approved courses found on the Environmental Studies Certificate Program (ESCP) Web Site or Wes Maps.  Not more than three courses may be taken in one Department or Program. The six courses must come from two University Divisions. Students may propose independent study or research projects for program credit pending approval from the program advisor. Courses taken at other institutions must also be approved by the program advisor. One student run forum may be counted towards the certificate if approved by the program advisor. Candidates must maintain a B average. A copy of the program’s form is on the back of this brochure or on the ESCP Website.

Faculty

Barry Chernoff, Director

Schumann Professor of Environmental Studies

The Schumann Endowment

The Environmental Studies Program is funded in part by Robert Schumann.  These funds support a coordinating series of lectures, workshops and symposia about environmental issues for students and faculty.   Please refer to our website (www.wesleyan.edu/escp), for updated events. A sampling of past events included: Long Lane Farm Pumpkin Festival, Where On Earth Are We Going Symposium, Earth Day Keynote Address, and Special Lectures.

For More Information, Please Contact

Valerie Marinelli, Administrative Assistant, Wesleyan University

Environmental Studies Certificate Program

Exley Science Center, Room #327

(860) 685-3733 or VMarinelli@wesleyan.edu