At Abilene Christian University we believe in stewardship. Our world view is intentionally and overtly Christian. Thus we believe that environmental issues are not simply technical problems, but that they also have political, sociological, and even spiritual aspects that must be addressed. We know that students are drawn to environmental science for a wide variety of reasons. Some enjoy the adventure of the outdoors, others feel a strong obligation to become advocates for nature, and many view environmental science as the key that opens the door to boundless opportunities in consulting careers. Whatever your interest may be, the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has a program that will perfectly suit your needs. Our program prepares students for a highly technical work place, yet is flexible enough to allow students to focus on those aspects of environmental science that they find most appealing; all presented in the context of Christian stewardship and responsibility.
Faculty:
Dr. Jim Cooke, Professor of Environmental Science
Professor Emmet Miller, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Concentrations are:
Wildlife and Natural Resource Management: This option addresses all of the most critical natural resource concerns in the Western states: water, soil, energy, and wildlife. We believe that this option will appeal to anyone who wants a serious science career working in the outdoors. Possible career paths might include, wildlife biologist, soil, water or rangeland conservationist, water and waste-water treatment careers, and careers in emerging energy technologies (biofuels, wind, and solar). Sample Schedule and Course Descriptions
Outdoor Studies: This option focuses on two kinds of students, those interested in outdoor/environmental education and those who wish to work in the ecotourism industry. As a consequence, this option focuses on outdoor skills and nature interpretation, and includes courses on leadership and adventure programming. Sample Schedule and Course Descriptions
Politics and Public Policy: One of the great struggles in environmental policy formation is that law makers often to not have the technical expertise necessary to create effective legislation. Additionally, industrial production facilities, power plants, and water treatment plants need compliance officers who must be technically competent and who also must understand and be able to navigate both environmental and administrative law. These graduates will find a host of career opportunities in the political lobby, or as compliance officers and/or project managers in industry, or perhaps even in environmental law. Sample Schedule and Course Descriptions
Field Technology: This option is what many would recognize as a classical environmental science program. It emphasizes the basic sciences, has a large applied science component, and includes instruction in natural resources and environmental policy. It is designed to appeal to students that wish to work in the environmental consulting industry, particularly in the areas of site assessment and pollution abatement and/or remediation. These careers generally require the highest levels of technical expertise and are also the best compensated. Sample Schedule and Course Descriptions
