Environmental Studies Department

Overview

The world needs adept, civically engaged, flexible, creative, collaborative, culturally humble educators, leaders, scientists, policy-makers, advocates, artists, and philosophers. Our intention is that together–students, faculty, staff and community members–we build our capacity to serve in these essential roles.

Integrating systems fundamental to sustainability and resilience requires new forms of human organization, moving away from reductionist, problem-solving strategies to interdisciplinary, holistic, solution seeking approaches. We value rigorous applied scholarship and leverage a variety of strategies and epistemologies to make the world a better place for all through practical professional preparation. Our overarching vision is that students are prepared, through their Environmental Studies graduate education, to advance ethical and evidence-based environmental and social justice solutions to complex challenges and to engage in applied professional environmental research and stewardship. To this end, students completing their graduate degree within the Department of

Environmental Studies are expected to meet the following student learning outcomes:

1. Critically examine and understand the history of the narratives and voices present and missing from environmental agendas through personal reflection, engaged scholarship, civic action, cultural humility, and dismantling systems of oppression;
2. Identify and understand social-ecological systems, and their complexities, within the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies;
3. Apply inclusive scientific understanding and multiple ways of knowing, systems thinking, subject matter expertise and practical skills to solve multifaceted environmental challenges using fair, just, informed decision making;
4. Communicate with, engage, and inspire a range of groups and individuals to advance biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, education, environmental justice, and sustainable livelihoods;
5. Apply concepts and skills of facilitative, collaborative mission-aligned leadership to authentically engage diverse communities and values; and
6. Participate effectively in the ES community as a student and graduate, and be prepared to contribute professionally and actively to one’s communities and spheres of influence.

The mission of the Department of Environmental Studies is to educate a critical mass of visionary, effective leaders who will achieve environmental victories for a just and thriving world. We do this in a collaborative, interdisciplinary community founded on academic excellence and principles of justice. 

The department offers a Doctorate in Environmental Studies; two Master of Science degrees: one in Environmental Studies with a variety of concentrations, and one in Resource Management and Administration also with several concentrations.; and several certificate programs, all with environmental studies at the core. Students are educated to be interdisciplinary, open-minded, globally-thinking scholars and practitioners who are equipped to tackle today’s complex environmental problems.

Whether delivered in a face-to-face, hybrid or in a virtual format the emphasis is on interactive teaching, research, and field study or service learning opportunities.

Admission Requirements

Masters and Certificate Admissions Requirements

• Application
• Resume
• Essay
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from degree granting institution
• Interview

Doctoral Admissions requirements

• Application
• Resume
• Essay
• Work sample
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from degree granting institution
• Interview

International Service Program (Peace Corps) degree requirements:

The Department of Environmental Studies at AUNE offers students the opportunity to combine Peace Corps service with master’s study through the International Service Program (ISP). This program is available to students pursuing their 36 credit Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies (excluding the Science Teacher Certification concentration). Accepted students file program plans that will reflect the timing of their Peace Corps Service. If a student is not accepted into the Peace Corps they can continue with Antioch to complete their MS degree in the concentration to which they were initially accepted.

Students take a minimum of two semesters of coursework originating from AUNE, followed by three months of training and two years of service in the Peace Corps for which they earn 6 credits, tuition-free, as Peace Corps volunteers. These credits are awarded as one 3 credit professional internship and one 3 credit research project. Tuition and fees are also waived for students while serving in the Peace Corps. Following their Peace Corps service, students return to AUNE as needed to complete any remaining coursework and additional academic requirements including a capstone or second internship. This is a specialized program and may not be combined with other specialized programs or partnerships.

Masters of Science (MS) in Environmental Studies

The MS in Environmental Studies (ES) degree requires a minimum of three semesters and 36 credits. There are a few commonalities across all the Environmental Science degree concentrations that are apparent as students look through the following requirements and descriptions. All MS degrees have a combination of coursework and application in the field. There will be some field work in particular courses, through an internship, and a culminating academic experience. All MS students in ES are expected to: 

• Take three core courses (9 credits), and, 
• Identify a concentration area (6 credits required courses, 15 credits of methods/electives) in which to specialize; and,
• Complete an appropriate professional internship (3 credits) , and,
• Complete a capstone requirement (3 credits) in the form of a master’s project, thesis, collaborative service initiative, or a second professional internship.

Six concentrations as described below, one of which is self-designed. All ES MS concentrations have the same set of core courses, except the MS with Science Teaching Certification, the description of which follows the other concentrations below. Courses required for concentrations are divided into specific academic content areas or methods courses in which students can acquire knowledge and develop skills in topics identified by faculty as useful in the field. 

Students are to develop knowledge and skills in the areas listed on the following pages. Together with their advisors, students are required to develop a program plan, during their first semester, which indicates:

1. The specific concentration and methods courses to be taken to develop needed expertise, and the semester in which each is planned; 
2. The type of capstone the student plans to complete;
3. Whether the Professional Science Master’s designation is planned and which courses will be taken to fulfill the requirements (i.e., 18 STEM and 12 PLUS course credits); and; 
4. Any special arrangements such as advanced standing, or general education requirements which will need to be met. 

All students must complete the core, concentration, and methods/elective courses for the number of credits indicated or have an approved waiver form on file with the Department of Environmental Studies and the University Registrar. 

• MS in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability
• MS in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Conservation Biology
• MS in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Environmental Education
• MS in Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Self-Designed Studies
• MS in Environmental Studies with Science Teacher Pathway to Licensure
• MS in Environmental Studies (All Concentrations) with Professional Science Master’s Designation