Global Environmental Change

This program was formerly known as Specialist in Environmental Biology. Humans are considered to be the dominant force shaping nearly all of Earth's biotic and abiotic patterns and processes, including those within the world's atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Many scientists now suggest that anthropogenic impacts on the environment are so pervasive, that they have moved Earth into a novel geological epoch called "The Anthropocene": a time in Earth's 4.6 billion-year history where humans are the dominate force shaping the environment. In the Specialist program in Global Environmental Change students will gain a deep understanding of: 1) the fundamental environmental processes occurring within Earth's spheres; 2) how humans are profoundly influencing these processes at local and global scales; and 3) how anthropogenic changes to Earth's environment are both unfolding rapidly, and unique in the context of Earth's history. The program entails learning these themes through a comprehensive mix of: 1) core and advanced scientific courses; 2) applied environmental skills courses; and 3) undergraduate environmental research opportunities.