American University Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Environmental Science
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Chair Albert M. Cheh
Full-Time Faculty
Professor A.M. Cheh, D.C. Culver
Associate Professor K. Kim
Assistant Professor S.E. MacAvoy, K.L. Knee
The environment has become a nexus of a broad range of global issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource competition. Environmental sustainability, which combines environmental, economic, and social considerations, provides a valuable and holistic framework for addressing many of these concerns, and applying that understanding appropriately and effectively in public discourse.
The goal of the Department of Environmental Science is to inspire and train leaders concerned about sustainability with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to make independent, rational decisions concerning current and emerging environmental issues. To this end, the department provides rigorous, interdisciplinary programs grounded in a sound, scientific understanding of how our natural world works. The Department of Environmental Science offers the BA in Environmental Studies, BS in Environmental Science, minor in environmental science, MS in Environmental Science, and MS in Professional Science and Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment.
The BA in Environmental Studies builds upon a set of foundational courses in both the natural and social sciences. The student then chooses from an approved list of related courses spanning many disciplines, from all schools and colleges at AU, to create a program of study suited to his or her specific interests and professional goals. Students are also encouraged to gain practical field experience through an internship at one or more of the many public and private environmental organizations in the Washington, DC area. Graduates will be prepared for employment in a broad range of fields where scientific information is applied in the development and implementation of environmental policies and procedures.
The BS in Environmental Science draws principally from the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics and statistics. In addition to classroom work, the program provides students with extensive training in both field and laboratory techniques applicable to the study of the natural environment. Students are strongly encouraged to seek research experience with faculty and engage in the creation of new scientific knowledge. Opportunities to carry our research at one of the many research institutions in the Washington, DC area are also available.
A minor in environmental science is also available for those interested in adding breadth to their standard science or social policy degrees. The minor prepares students for employment in environmental research, policy, or management, or for further graduate work in the natural or social sciences.
The MS in Environmental Science offers an opportunity to expand students’ knowledge base for developing solutions to environmental problems. The program provides two approaches: course-focused or research-focused. Students in the course-based program take a core set of science and statistics courses and a selection of complementary courses in environmental policy. Students are encouraged to gain practical field experience through an internship at one or more of the many public and private environmental organizations in the Washington, DC area. Students in the research-based program carry out research projects with faculty in the department, associated and affiliated faculty at AU, or at one of the many research institutions in the Washington, DC area. Graduates will be prepared to engage in high-level, environmental problem solving or pursue advanced studies in environmental science.
The MS in Professional Science provides students with the tools necessary to be competitive within industries concerned with measuring environmental impact, organizations that promote sustainability and government agencies concerned with environmental protection and regulation.
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment is designed to provide students with advanced understanding of the environmental impacts of human activities, with both domestic and international scope. Graduates will be prepared to characterize these impacts and develop strategies for mitigation or remediation. ProgramsMajorMinorMaster’s ProgramGraduate Certificate
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