Program Goals

The program will prepare graduates to:

Understand and apply the fundamental concepts of environmental studies

  • List the major components and biogeochemical cycles of Earth Systems
  • Explain the nature of ecology and the need for ecological analysis and studies for current environmental problems.
  • Define the major elements of biodiversity and describe the organization of biological communities and systems.
  • Trace the history of human population growth.
  • Describe our primary energy sources and compare the relative economic costs and environmental impact of given energy systems.
  • Define pollution and explain how a given form of pollution impacts the environment, human health and welfare.
  • Define multiple aspects of global change.
  • Describe the effects of poverty, over-consumption of resources and environmental degradation, incorporating the multiple connections between wealthy industrialized countries and poorer developing countries.

Demonstrate critical and analytical skills 

  • Assess and critique proposed solutions to environmental issues in written, electronic or oral presentations.
  • Identify, access, manipulate, assess and apply data to analyze environmental problems.
  • Formulate an interdisciplinary analysis of environmental issues.

Demonstrate an effective communication style in a variety of written formats

  • Present environmental data in clear and understandable formats.
  • Outline the multiple underlying causes of environmental issues and make clear distinctions between fundamental causes and observed or measured environmental effects.
  • Design realistic field experiences that are commonly used in environmental fieldwork.

Conduct sound ethical research, demonstrating proficiency in information literacy and the basic tools of research.

  • Design research objectives appropriate to various assignments.
  • Master the technological skills needed to seek out, acquire and apply information to solving environmental problems.
  • Locate data from multiple sources and formats.
  • Critically evaluate information and sources.
  • Integrate information effectively to accomplish the planned objective.
  • Use information ethically and legally

Discuss the moral and ethical dimensions of environmental issues and integrate ideas of social justice and equity in the search for environmental solutions.

  • Engage in experiential service learning, internship and undergraduate research opportunities that deepen their understanding of real world environmental problem solving and administration.
  • Formulate a personal, multi-dimensional and integrated worldview of environmental issues and be able to recommend solutions to issues on a local, regional and global level.
  • Formulate a personal philosophy and action plan for what you can or should do to create a more sustainable world and a more just society. 

Undergraduate Admission Contacts
Queens
Office of Admission
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
1 (888) 9STJOHNS
admissions@stjohns.edu