Outcomes for the Master of Science in Environmental Studies Program
"Outcomes" are statements of the knowledge and skills that students in the program are expected to demonstrate by the time of graduation. The faculty of the Environmental Studies program have established the 11 outcomes listed below for students pursuing a Master of Science degree.
1. Students will use the theories of biology and ecology to identify the role of the sciences and scientific uncertainty in solving environmental problems.
2. Students will apply the principles of chemical equilibrium, acid-base theory, and toxicology to identify the complex relationships that exist in air, water, and ground pollution.
3. Students will identify and describe how environmental policy is formulated at the federal, state, and local levels within a political, economic, and social context.
4. Students will use a variety of economic methods to evaluate environmental issues with respect to natural resource development and sustainability.
5. Students will understand the relationship between laws and regulations and how they affect institutions and individuals with respect to environmental protection.
6. Students will identify practical solutions to conflicts arising from the various theories of environmental ethics.
7. Students will understand the complex relationships that exist between domestic government institutions and global entities with respect to environmental concerns.
8. Students will learn the basic principles of environmental communications planning in business, government, and non-profit organizations with their internal, external, and news media publics.
9. Students will develop an understanding of communications strategies and methods for communicating environmental impacts at risk to employees, communities, the news media, and other critical publications.
10 Students will understand the technologies dealing with current and future air, water, and waste issues.
11. Students will study the history of public health, environmental problems, and current environmental issues including self interest, competing civic groups, regional and national government agencies, and corporations.