Global Environmental Studies

Undergraduate Program

Citizens of the world in the 21st century must deal with notoriously difficult environmental questions. How do we reduce our dependency upon fossil fuels? How can we reverse biodiversity decline? Is biotechnology safe for humans and other species? Can we achieve more economic justice and protect the environment at the same time? Will international institutions and social movements lead the way or will local environmental justice groups provide the real solutions?

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the global environmental studies major provides students with the knowledge and tools to understand the economic, political and cultural causes of environmental transformation, degradation and exploitation. More importantly, the major affords students opportunities, through research, internships and field work, to consider and develop solutions to environmental problems. Students will look at global and local environment issues through the eyes of people whose lives, livelihoods and ways of living are at stake in the process of economic, ecological, cultural and political change. Students will contend with the economic practices, laws and policies, cultural values and social norms that guide use of the environment in multiple locations with different climates, histories, economies and governing regimes. Students will learn the histories, geographies and strategies of major social movements which have fought for environmental protection, cultural survival, biodiversity, food security, common property and equitable distribution of resources.

The international community needs professionals with a breadth of understanding of today’s complex reality. Students with an understanding of international political economy, global environmental change, environmental information systems, environmental law and policy, geographic information systems, gender and environment, and social theory will be able to go into media, finance, law, advocacy, government, civil-society organizations or corporations with the knowledge and skills necessary for shaping sustainable livelihoods.

For details regarding the major or minor, students should consult the Guide to the Major/Minor, which is available on our Web site at http://www.clarku.edu/departments/ges/.

The Clark Advantage
Global Environmental Studies (GES) majors, Geography majors and Environmental Science (ES) majors concentrating in Earth Systems Science (ESS) have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members and graduate students in one of the most prestigious graduate programs of geography worldwide. Summer Fellowships are available for qualified students to participate in the Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO) program, an intensive summer academic-year research effort focused on environmental change in New England. Eligible majors also have the opportunity to enter the tuition-free, accelerated M.A. in GIScience program. Other accelerated M.A. programs include International Development and Social Change, Environmental Science and Policy, and Community Development and Planning.

GES, Geography, and ESS undergraduates are served by the Clark University Geography Association (CUGA) and Gamma Theta Upsilon, an international geographic honors society.

CUGA is the voice of GES, Geography, and ESS majors, with student representation on the undergraduate studies committee and the opportunity to attend departmental meetings. CUGA representatives are able to vote at department meetings and give their ideas and opinions on various topics that concern undergraduate majors. They also attend field trips and periodically have group gatherings to discuss topics of interest to geography majors, such as research, internships, courses and future jobs.

Gamma Theta Upsilon is an elite international honor society; initiates must have completed a minimum of three geography courses, have a B+ average in geography, rank in the upper 35% of their class, and have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college course work. For more information on Gamma Theta Upsilon please see their Web site at: http://www.gammathetaupsilon.org/

Off Campus Affiliated Faculty

Scott Jiusto, Ph.D - Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Rob Krueger, Ph.D - Worcester Polytechnic Institute

About Global Environmental Studies

Department Home Program Requirements Program Minor Honors

Additional Resources

Hallmarks of the Clark Experience History of Clark Accreditation Academic Program Departments, Offices and Special Programs Tuition and Financial Aid Admission Requirements Bachelor's Degree Requirements Facilities Student Resources Graduate Program Faculty Administration The Corporation Academic Calendar