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<\/p>\nWith a foundation in natural sciences, students will gain knowledge of the underlying scientific principles and processes required to understand environmental issues such as climate, soil and water systems, nutrient cycles, and ecology.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents will have a foundation in natural sciences such that they can understand the ecology and the science of the issues we face relevant to the environment,\u201d says Krause.<\/p>\n
Through incorporating courses in the social sciences, students will gain an understanding of how economic, political, and social structures interact with the environment and inform how natural resources are used.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnvironmental issues always have a natural science component, but they also impact communities and populations,\u201d says Dr. Ray Vander Zaag<\/a>, Associate Dean of International Development Studies. \u201cTo work in the broad field of environmental studies, you need to have understandings in both areas.\u201d<\/p>\n The humanities component addresses the question of how areas such as literature, philosophy, and theology can contribute to understanding problems and visualizing solutions.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents will be equipped with the tools to enter the challenging new realities that face our future and cross the boundaries of science and social science,\u201d says Dr. Gordon Zerbe<\/a>, Vice President Academic at CMU. \u201cWe\u2019re very pleased we have the capacity to deliver this kind of program.\u201d<\/p>\n Three new ecology courses are being developed that will offer lab and field research methodologies and will be implemented over the next few years. With the addition of these courses, students interested in education will be able to attain a teachable in biology.<\/p>\n The interdisciplinary nature of the degree will allow students to personalize their studies according to their interests, drawing on the many courses CMU offers that are directly or indirectly relevant to environmental studies. A practicum component will provide students with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and practices related to the field.<\/p>\n Graduates may pursue careers with agencies and non-profit organizations working in areas such as conservation or resource management, or pursue graduate studies in related fields.<\/p>\n To learn more about CMU\u2019s new Environmental Studies major, visit:\u00a0cmu.ca\/environmentalstudies<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n About CMU<\/strong><\/p>\n A Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, CMU\u2019s Shaftesbury campus offers undergraduate degrees in arts, business, humanities, music, sciences, and social sciences, as well as\u00a0graduate degrees in theology,\u00a0ministry, peacebuilding and collaborative development, and an MBA. CMU has over 800 full-time equivalent\u00a0students, including those enrolled in degree programs at the Shaftesbury and Menno Simons College campuses and in its Outtatown certificate program.<\/em><\/p>\n