New Environmental Studies Program Launches

As the world celebrates Earth Week, Marywood University affirms its role in environmental responsibility and advocacy, as well as its enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, by announcing the launch of a new Environmental Studies degree program.

The bachelor of arts program in Environmental Studies features three tracks, including Environmental Humanities, Environmental Justice, and Environmental Science. The tracks in the Environmental Studies program focus on environmental advocacy and encompass scientific principles, ethical frameworks, public policy, connections to the natural world, and communications skills. While Marywood offers an existing bachelor of science program in Environmental Science for those who wish to become professional environmental scientists/researchers, the new Environmental Studies program is designed for students who want to pursue a more advocacy-based approach in areas like law, journalism, or public policy versus a traditional science-only trajectory.

The Environmental Studies program reflects Marywood’s mission and core values, also aligning with its status as a member of the first international cohort of Laudato Si' Universities by the Vatican Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. Marywood became one of the first universities to commit to being a Laudato Si' University in October 2021, in support of Pope Francis’ 7-Year Journey Towards Integral Ecology—an action-oriented and holistic approach that addresses seven ecological and social challenges in the world.

“Today’s complex environmental challenges call for versatile professionals who can adapt to and thrive in a variety of settings,” said Erin A. Sadlack, Ph.D., associate dean of the Insalaco College of Arts and Sciences. “Environmental Studies students at Marywood University will address real world problems, becoming well versed in the comprehensive analysis of complex environmental issues and potential solutions, oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking. The curriculum varies depending on the track of study chosen, but all Environmental Studies majors share the same foundational coursework and must do a capstone project.”

Career options include advocacy-based professions focused on environmental issues, such as education, consulting, law, urban planning, policy, public relations, and more. Students are prepared to work in the environmental advocacy sectors of these professional areas upon graduation or to pursue advanced studies if their particular career aspirations warrant additional education.

An Environmental Studies minor also is available to all students, complementing many existing majors and pre-professional programs at Marywood.