Mount St. Mary's University will offer its students a new Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, beginning in the fall of 2006. Developed by the University’s Science Department, the program was endorsed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission on June 8, 2006.  According to Dr. Patricia Kreke, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Science Department, “The Environmental Science major offers our students a unique way to explore the responsibilities scientists have to society.  It strengthens both the interdisciplinary nature of our department and the university’s mission.” To support the new major, the university has hired Associate Professor of Biology, Dr. Jeffrey Simmons, who developed the Environmental Science program at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV. “I’m very excited about being a part of the Mount’s new Environmental Science program. It’s going to be a very popular major because there are so many rewarding careers in the environmental field,” said Dr. Simmons.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, demand for environmental scientists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2012. This projected increase is due to heightened awareness regarding the need for monitoring and mitigating the impact of human actions on ecosystems as the human population increases and expands to occupy more environmentally sensitive habitats. “Environmental Science is a popular area of interest for prospective students. . . this major will attract a distinctive market of new students,” said Stephen Neitz, director of admissions and financial aid at Mount St. Mary's.

Dr. Rosie Bolen, one of the members of the Science Department involved in designing the program, is pleased with the curriculum because it “draws upon our strengths in biology and chemistry, and provides students with interdisciplinary and experiential components that reflect the nature of environmental science.  Students completing the major will be well-prepared to pursue an environmental career or graduate education in the field,” said Dr. Bolen. The major provides a solid foundation in the natural sciences with twelve courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and applied environmental science. In addition, students choose two environmentally-focused courses in the humanities and social sciences (e.g., philosophy, history, psychology, etc.). The required experiential component provides students with hands-on experience in the field of environmental science through a research project or internship.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful natural laboratory—the Catoctin Mountains. Our low faculty to student ratio allows students to work closely with a faculty member on his or her research,” said Dr. Bolen. Possible internship sites include non-profit organizations such as Strawberry Hill Nature Center, Thorpewood Nature Center, The Fulton Center for Sustainable Living at Wilson College, or governmental environmental or wildlife agencies. According to Dr. Simmons, “These internships will help students solidify their career plans and provide them with a network of professional contacts. It also gives students a chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom.” 

“As a Catholic liberal arts institution, the new major in Environmental Science is at the heart of the Mount’s identity and mission,” says Mount President  Thomas H.  Powell. “In particular, such a program is a key component in responding to Pope John Paul II’s call for institutions to combat the ecological crises facing humanity.” The new program joins several ongoing initiatives demonstrating the university’s commitment to environmental issues.  An Environmental Studies minor was approved by the faculty in December 2004. In addition, an institutional recycling program was re-instated earlier this year, and the student Environmental Club has sponsored a variety of events, speakers and fundraisers that have increased awareness of environmental issues on campus. Current Mount students are enthusiastic about the new major. Karine Posbic, a rising senior majoring in biology with a minor in environmental studies, said “I’m really excited the major was passed! I’m glad I had the opportunity to complete the minor. I would have definitely pursued the major had it been available when I entered as a freshman.”