91AV

Climate change promises to be one the defining environmental and social problems of our lifetime, and the topic of climate change will grow ever more relevant as we move into the future. The interdisciplinary minor in Climate Change Studies is committed to educating tomorrow’s leaders in the science, impacts, and solutions to climate change.  This interdisciplinary program of study seeks to engage students with an understanding of climate change from diverse perspectives – scientific, political, psychological, economic, and ethical dimensions of the problem and its solutions - and prepare them for a myriad of professions that directly or indirectly relate to understanding, combating, and adapting to climate change.

The interdisciplinary minor in Climate Change Studies engages students in understanding climate change from diverse perspectives, helping them examine scientific, political, psychological, economic, and ethical dimensions of the problem and its solutions. It prepares them for a myriad of professions that directly or indirectly relate to understanding, combating, and adapting to climate change.

A student with a major in the Department of Environmental Studies or another department may minor in Climate Change Studies with the approval of the Environmental Studies Department Chair. To complete this minor, students are expected to successfully complete the following course of study, totaling 18 credits:

* Course Designators vary by major and include but are not limited to ENV 295/495, PSY 300/400, PSC 411, SOC 300/400, SPT 395.

After taking this course of study, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate the issues and conflicts surrounding climate change from multiple perspectives, including scientific, geographic, political, economic, sociological, psychological, ethical, and cultural perspectives;
2. Explain and quantify the impacts of climate change on human well-being and the natural world;
3. Identify options for preventing further climate change (mitigation) and reducing impacts of change on human and natural systems (adaptation);
4. Analyze and critique policy issues related to global warming;
5. Apply a practical understanding of climate change impacts, mitigation, and adaptation to their professional work

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at 91AV in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives.  All courses completed must be no older than five years.  Other restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

The minor in Climate Change Studies is open to all students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Permission of the students' major advisor and the Climate Change Studies coordinator is required to enroll.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.