Environmental Science Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates who successfully complete a Environmental Science major are assessed in three ways during the course of their program: 1) a 2.0 GPA or higher in their major required courses; 2) meeting expectations in their Capstone paper; and 3) successful performance of their Capstone project.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Assess, Evaluate, and Analyze
    Our graduates apply qualitative and quantitative methods and demonstrate information and media literacy to assess, evaluate, and analyze evidence, literature, perspectives, and arguments to build defensible positions on environmental knowledge and interpretations.
  2. Knowledge
    Our graduates apply quantitative, biological, ecological, chemical, social, and environmental science concepts and skills to demonstrate interdisciplinary knowledge of the environment.
  3. Science Inquiry
    Our graduates identify environmental needs, form research questions, collect evidence, and develop data-based explanations.
  4. Systems Thinking
    Our graduates explore the interconnectivity and ecological literacy of the environment to demonstrate how parts of the environment interact, connect, cycle and feedback, informing our responses and decisions to environmental opportunities and challenges.
  5. Growth Mindset
    Through reflection and experience, our graduates recognize individual, institutional, and governmental ethical responsibilities and actions that support a just world and sustainable environmental system
  6. Collaborate
    Our graduates share experiences with their peers, stakeholders, community members, campus partners, and mentors to gain a deeper understanding of environmental complexities.
  7. Communicate
    Our graduates effectively communicate to diverse audiences in written, spoken, visual, and other modes of communication.
  8. Professional Practice
    Our graduates broaden their perspective in environmental fields and are ready to foster new relationships, collaborate, navigate multiple stakeholders, and continue their career in an environmental field or graduate program.
  9. Ethical Understanding
    Our graduates develop individual values and connections to environmental historical, cultural, and spiritual practices to become an engaged citizen that contributes to our understanding of and response to environmental issues.