Environmental Science
The Associate of Science degree in Environmental Science is intended to give students the foundational skills to assess and manage natural resources in tribal communities. The program integrates traditional Ojibwa knowledge with biological and physical science and emphasizes the use of modern technology for conducting environmental field sampling, data analysis, and decision-making. Students may individualize their programs by choosing from a variety of courses in the disciplines of biology, environmental science, and geoscience.
Department Mission
The Environmental Science program, with its emphasis on field observation and ties to the traditional tribal orientation to the natural world, provides many opportunities for students to gain an understanding of how they relate to their community and the world beyond. The program offers courses that are specifically tailored for the tribal community such as Anishinaabe Community Ecology. Science students are required to complete an internship in which they gain practical experience in the community. Students in the department participate in organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) which is active in the community and regularly works with youth and elder projects.
The Environmental Science program, with its emphasis on field observation and ties to the traditional tribal orientation to the natural world, provides many opportunities for students to gain an understanding of how they relate to their community and the world beyond. The program offers courses that are specifically tailored for the tribal community such as Anishinaabe Community Ecology. Science students are required to complete an internship in which they gain practical experience in the community. Students in the department participate in organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) which is active in the community and regularly works with youth and elder projects.
Students completing the program will be able to:
1. Explain the major scientific principles pertinent to Environmental Science.
2. Apply scientific method to solve or analyze biological, ecological, and environmental problems.
3. Explain the importance of the physical and natural environment in Native American culture.
4. Describe policies, agencies, and organizations involved in shaping, implementing, and enforcing environmental policy.
5. Use knowledge of Ojibwa culture to develop holistic approaches for addressing the complexities and intricacies of environmental problems.
6. Conduct biological and environmental assessments using scientific methods and standard field equipment.
7. Analyze and interpret scientific data and present findings in written and oral formats.
8. Compile, critically review, and summarize scientific literature for research projects, literature reviews, position papers, posters, and presentations
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Additional Information
Literature (pdf)