environmental studies program

The Setting

Halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Carroll College is located in the heart of the Northern Rocky Mountains ecosystem. Through course work, internships and out-of-class learning programs, students have many opportunities to experience this unique system firsthand.

Mission: To prepare leaders with an enlightened understanding of our biosphere, with an appreciation for the relationship between humans and the environment, and with the skills needed for vocational opportunities in the fields of environmental policy and science.

Interdisciplinary

 
The core is not limited to classroom learning: students will do research in campus and area laboratories, work in the field with professionals in government, industry or the nonprofit sector, and strive to use their classroom, research, and field education and experiences in practical efforts to improve the Helena-area environment.

The areas of concentration enable students with varying academic and career interests and abilities, who share a common interest in the environment, to become proficient in an area that best prepares them for their future work.

Goals

1. Because an understanding of the biosphere requires scientific analysis of biological and physical processes, graduates will demonstrate:

a. An understanding of the basic principles of biology, chemistry and the earth sciences.
b. An ability to evaluate and interpret scientific data.
c. A working knowledge of fundamental laboratory techniques.

2.Because sustainable human activities require an integration of scientific, economic, and social information, graduates will demonstrate:

a. An understanding of basic political processes at the local, national and global levels.
b. An evolving knowledge of sustainable economic practices.
c. An ability to integrate and communicate science and social science data with integrity and reason.

3. Because solutions to environmental challenges must incorporate human values and a deep respect for social equity, graduates will be able to articulate common rights and the dignity shared by all humanity.

4. Because environmental challenges do not acknowledge political or cultural boundaries, graduates will be able to recognize the major physical and cultural gradients around the globe.

5. Because the sustainability of biodiversity, natural resources, and environmental quality will ultimately depend on collaboration between all components of society, graduates will be able to describe local and global examples of cooperation leading to effective solutions.