Table of Contents - Hartwick College

Environmental Science and Policy
Minor
Our program of study in environmental science and policy is based on the
idea that understanding and solving the current environmental problems
facing us requires broadly trained professionals who can think
independently. These professionals, whatever their field of expertise,
must have a balanced educational background that is firmly rooted in the
physical and life sciences as well as in economics and political science.
Our program is designed to provide students with just such a balance, and
helps them prepare for either graduate school or employment in
environmental occupations in both public and private sectors.
Students enrolled in the Environmental Science and Policy Program,
whatever their majors, take a set of courses that provide an
interdisciplinary perspective on environmental issues, and culminates in a
minor in environmental science and policy. The program of study begins
with an introductory course, followed by a selection of courses chosen
from a wide variety of offerings including biology, chemistry, economics,
geology, physics, political science and other relevant courses. The
capstone experience for all students in the program is a Senior Seminar in
Environmental Assessment, in which students deal with real local and
global environmental issues. Particular departments also may advise
students to take courses relevant to the minor as part of the major
requirements (see description of individual major departments).
Other opportunities for students in the program include internships, offcampus
courses, directed and independent studies, conferences and
summer research. Off-campus courses in particular offer unique and
valuable opportunities for students interested in environmental issues,
and includes studies of tropical biology in the Bahamas, Costa Rica and
the Galapagos Islands, and geology of the French Alps, the Grand Canyon
and Hawaii. In addition to the curriculum, the location of Hartwick
College on the western edge of the Catskill Mountains near the banks of
the Susquehanna River, is favorable for the study of many environmental
issues. Students in the program also benefit from the Robert R. Smith
Environmental Field Station at Pine Lake, nearly 1,000 acres of mixed
deciduous forests, lakes, swamps and streams only eight miles from the
main campus. Pine Lake is the site of very active student and faculty
environmental research, field and laboratory courses and leadership
training, and includes living facilities for students.
Students interested in the minor should consult with the coordinator of
the program, Dr. Meredith Newman.
Environmental Science and Policy
Requirements for the minor in environmental science and
policy: Seven courses selected as follows:
One introductory course
100 Intro to Environmental Science (Scie)
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