ESS or Geography?

ESS differs from the Geography major in that its emphasis is on natural science. ESS shares interests with but differs from the Environmental and Conservation Biology concentration of the Environmental Science major, focused on ecosystems, and the ES&P concentration with its policy focus. The ESS concentration differs from the Global Environmental Studies major and the Human-Environment track of the Geography major because both these programs are social science entries into environmental issues, not programs of study about the biophysical functioning of the earth system. Majors in ESS develop a strong biophysical training in earth systems and earth science as well as the GISc analytical tools that pervade this arena of science.

Overview

Clark has been in the forefront of environmental studies since its world-renowned Graduate School of Geography was founded in 1921. Since then, Clark has expanded the perspectives from which you can study the environment from the lens of the scientist to that of the social scientist or policy maker. Whether you want to explore the geosphere, hydrosphere, or atmosphere, or the way we humans shape, and are shaped by the environment, both locally and globally, Clark has a program to fit your interests.

Options

Environmental Science

Immerse yourself in the physical, biological, geographical, and policy aspects of the natural environment. Choose from three tracks:

Earth Systems Science. Explore the structure and function of the parts of the earth-geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere-and how they interact to create the biosphere.

Environment and Conservation Biology Examine how organisms evolve and interact with one another and their environments. Conservation biology focuses on the biological knowledge necessary to preserve biodiversity.

Environmental Science and Policy Understand the complexities of environmental issues by becoming familiar with scientific, social science, and policy perspectives on how environmental impacts can be managed and mitigated.

Global Environmental Studies

Examine the relationship of people, culture, and society to the biophysical environment. Develop an understanding of how human forces transform the earth and the consequences for individuals, society, and the well being of the planet.

Geography

Study the relationships among people, places, society, and the environment from several perspectives:

• Nature-Society (see Global Environmental Studies)
• Globalization, Cities, and Development
• Geographic Information Science
• Earth Systems Science (see listing under Environmental Sciences)

International Development and Social Change (IDSC)

Learn to tackle complex issues of sustainable development, community building, and policy making through this interdisciplinary approach linking geography, anthropology, environmental science, economics, government and history.

Urban Development and Social Change

Study the urban environment and understand the key concepts and methodological tools used to explore and analyze urban phenomena, focusing primarily on cities in the United States. UDSC is a concentration that can be taken in conjunction with many majors.