Westminster announces new environmental studies major

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — Westminster College has announced a new major in environmental studies, an interdisciplinary combined major program that will prepare students for jobs outside of science-related careers such as environmental policy, environmental law and corporate sustainability.

The new major, which will be offered beginning in fall 2019, will appeal to students who desire an integrated understanding of the social, political and historical facets of the environmental challenges facing our planet.

The environmental studies major will require a minor, or another major, in a second discipline of focus which will provide students with an additional skill set.

“We are really excited to be able to offer an environmental studies program to complement our long-successful environmental science program,” said Dr. Helen Boylan, director of the Center for the Environment at Westminster and professor of chemistry.

The environmental studies major will include many of the effective facets of environmental science, including an interdisciplinary approach, a required internship, and a hands-on capstone experience in which students will apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world environmental problems.

The combined major approach for environmental studies is the first of its kind in our region, according to Boylan.

“In conjunction with our new Center for the Environment, environmental studies will make Westminster even more attractive for students interested in studying the environment from an interdisciplinary perspective,” said Dr. Jeffrey Coker, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.

For more information about the environmental studies major, please contact Dr. Helen Boylan at boylanhm@westminster.edu or 724-946-6293.

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