SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Environmental Studies
Option
in the B.S. Science Degree
Program Contact: Dr. Anthony
Foyle
814-898-6277; amf11@psu.edu
The Environmental Studies option in the B.S. Science degree at Penn State Behrend prepares students for environment-related careers from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The option incorporates training in the natural, physical, social, and political sciences and humanities.
The American Geophysical Union has recently stated that we require a sound understanding of the environment to address many of the issues facing society today. These issues include expanding populations, environmental and climate changes, natural hazards, and resource availability.
What can you do with this science option?
Environmental scientists and specialists help resolve many challenges related to human occupation of planet Earth. Scientists collect, analyze, and apply scientific data to help us power our future, protect our living and non-living natural resources, obtain the energy and infrastructure materials necessary for life, and mitigate environmental hazards. Specialists help develop policy and craft environmental laws, educate politicians and the general public on environmental issues, enforce environmental regulations, and help communities and nations achieve long-term sustainable growth.
How important are environmental issues to the U.S. population?
A recently released Gallup poll shows that the environment is viewed as the most important problem that will face the United States twenty-five years from now - more important than Medicare, Social Security, or energy sources.
According to a recent National Science Foundation analysis of science-related topical issues, public interest in the environment is second only to interest in new medical discoveries.