Are you concerned about earth’s limited resources? Do you like to be outside, studying plant life or animal habitats? Are you interested in managing and making decisions about resources, using cutting edge software and technology such as Geographic Information systems? You are on your way to becoming a great environmental studies major at Central College. Central College offers a broad range of courses to give students an understanding of global and local environmental issues.
Students in the environmental studies program choose from one of two tracks: environmental science or global policy, with students in both tracks receiving essential basics in science, economics and politics. An integral part of the program includes hands-on laboratory and fieldwork, research and communication. Graduates have gone on to work in the lab, in the field and in management working for federal and state agencies, as well as the industry and non-profit agencies.
Looking for experience? Central College environmental studies majors are encouraged to seek out internships. When it comes to future employment or entrance into graduate school, students with internship experience have a proven track record in a professional environment. In today’s competitive job market, such experience is a priceless commodity. The program maintains a bulletin board and a website listing opportunities and has successfully placed students in a number of internships:
Learn more about internships at Central.
The major consists of a strong background in the sciences, social sciences and an emphasis on developing good research and communication skills.
Core courses
Elective courses
The Vermeer Science Center recently went through a major renovation and expansion that was completed in fall 2003. The $20-million project added 40,000 square meters to the original 3,000. In addition to biology, chemistry, physics and natural science departments, the mathematics and computer science departments are located in Vermeer.
The building contains 13 high-tech classrooms including a fully equipped GIS laboratory. Each contains a ceiling-mounted projector, computer with flat panel monitor, Wolfvision document camera, combination VCR/DVD player and a Ken-a-vision flex camera. Vermeer also contains several computer labs with new computers, flat panel monitors and the most recent versions of math and science computer programs. Numerous science laboratories with state-of-the-art science equipment allow students to conduct their own research.
Just inside the main entrance is an easy to use touchscreen kiosk with a building directory that can be searched by room or professor’s name. Central was awarded a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) medal rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making the science center the first LEED-rated building in the state and Central a leader in environmental design.
The Carlson-Kuyper Field Station is Central College's 62-acre nature preserve and “outdoor laboratory.” Located about 12 miles from the Pella campus, it is adjacent to the extensive wildlife areas managed by the Corps of Engineers around Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake.
Environmental studies faculty maintains their own Web site with even more information about the environmental studies program.
No matter what your interests are, Central College has a student group that you’ll want to join! Central College has over 45 recognized student organizations, with new ones forming as student demands arise. Environmental studies majors might be interested in joining Central’s Bio-chem Club or SCATE (Students concerned about the environment). In addition, Central’s SUSTAIN group is an association composed of students, faculty and staff, working together to make Central College a more sustainable campus.
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to further them on their journey as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C. program. In particular, several of the study abroad sites are ideally suited for environmental studies majors. Merida, Mexico, proves excellent internship opportunities at national and state parks. The University of Wales in Bangor specializes in natural resource management and oceanography, and the Leiden, Netherlands, program provides many courses in global issues of sustainability. In all cases, courses taken abroad transfer directly as Central College courses and may be counted towards the major. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Central College is a place that “walks the walk,” putting into action environmental initiatives. Starting fall 2010, all students entering Central College will be taking a sustainability course as part of their core requirement. Central College is a member of AASHE, the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) and a signatory to the Talloires Declaration. Central College has been a leader in environmental design since 2003 and has pledged to go carbon neutral. Learn more about Central's sustainability efforts.
The applied focus of Central College’s environmental studies program results in students being actively involved in research projects. Some students opt to engage in summer research while others complete independent senior honors projects. Often, students successfully present the results of their research at regional and national conferences, such as the Iowa Academy of Science, the Ecological Society of America, the American Society of Mammalogists and the Association of American Geographers.
Recent honors research projects:
