Environmental Studies
About the Program
The bachelor of science degree in Environmental Studies (ES) at Southern Oregon University provides an opportunity to combine the knowledge of scientifi
c principles with social science processes. This growing interdisciplinary program responds to a demand among natural resource agencies for people who are able to work cooperatively with other disciplines on a variety of projects. The ES program provides a strong academic curriculum in any one of five option areas: biology, chemistry, geography, geology, and social science and policy. Students also receive the tools needed to apply academic knowledge to current issues. The ES major is growing with more than one hundred majors currently enrolled. SOU graduated twenty-six ES majors in 2006.
The ES program combines the ability of the sciences to provide sound data and technical answers with the tools in natural social science (politics, economics, and communication) to solve real-world problems. The four science option areas provide a strong, rigorous science curricula, similar to "Environmental Science" programs at other institutions. The Social Science and Policy track is designed to prepare students to serve in the policy-making settings of environmental organizations and agencies, and as staff to elected officials at all levels.
SOU provides the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs to environmentally significant areas, including New Zealand, Galapagos, China, Africa, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Geographic Setting
Our field-oriented curriculum takes advantage of the unique environmental setting of our region and provides opportunites to work with local agencies.
"This program is set in an area where the opportunities for practical application are abundant."
Carol Ampel (Environmental Studies, 2005)
Southern Oregon, with its Klamath and Cascade Mountains and interior valleys, is an ideal location for studying and experiencing a variety of environmental issues, including water resources, endangered species, timber, natural hazards, and urban growth issues. In addition, the city of Ashland provides a small-town atmosphere complete with various recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, whitewater rafting, skiing, hiking, and kayaking.
"The ES program is far-reaching and provides the skills necessary to evaluate and understand the real-time issues of today." Bruce Harshman (Environmental Studies, 2005)
Practica and Internships
The ES program encourages and gives academic credit for work experiences with local environmental agencies and organizations. Opportunities include working with the USDA, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service (Crater Lake), local watershed councils, Jackson County, local city and county planning departments, state and federal agencies, and local environmental organizations. Practicum and work-study experiences with the Environmental Studies program lead to contacts and job offers upon graduation with these same organizations.
The following quote from a local land management agency representative illustrates the philosophy of the Environmental Studies degree:
"We use a team approach in natural resource management. Our scientists rarely work independently from other science or social science disciplines. We look for employees who are comfortable with the concepts from a variety of disciplines and can work together on complex resource-related projects." (Bureau of Land Management, 2004)
National Recognition
Outside Magazine, in their September 2003 issue, highlighted the Environmental Studies Program and SOU as number twenty in their "top forty universities to learn, live, work, and play."
