Are you passionate about sustainability and environmentalism? Your personal interests outside the classroom can help you find your academic path. If you’re interested in sustainability, here are some things to do this semester.
1. Participate in virtual Earth Day 2020 events
This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the 50th anniversary of CU’s Environmental Center. To celebrate CU’s legacy and commitment to sustainability, there will be two days of remote learning opportunities and events on April 22-23. Learn more about Earth Day 2020.
2. Check out student organizations and programs
Between bees, climate change, environmental initiatives, wildlife and more, there are many student organizations with a sustainable focus. Browse the “Environmental” category in BuffConnect or connect with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) to get involved.
If you’re interested in climate, sustainability and social justice, get involved with the Environmental Center. This is your place to learn more and make a positive impact on campus and beyond. From an annual bike festival to film screenings, workshops, the PIPS Rewards program and more, there are over 150 events every year.
If you’re living in the residence halls next year, consider signing up for EcoReps to connect your sustainability interests with leadership skills.
3. Consider these academic programs
Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies program provides a broad yet rigorous education in environmental issues and problem solving. Gain knowledge on the general principles of human-environmental interaction, environmental change and sustainable human societies. Graduates also develop an understanding of how environmental policies are enacted and implemented.
Geography
Geography is the study of human activity and the natural environment. Geographers are interested in a wide range of phenomena and often focus on environmental change, global development and other social and economic issues. The skills and knowledge of geographers are in demand, leading you to entry-level positions in areas like land use planning, urban and regional planning, environmental analysis and monitoring, location analysis for the siting of facilities, remote sensing using satellite imagery, international development and a wide variety of spatial analyses of issues in transportation, recreation, population and resources.
Environmental Design
This program will prepare you for practice and advanced study in the design-based fields of architecture, landscape architecture and planning. The interdisciplinary approach to design education combines the practices of architecture, landscape architecture, sustainable planning and environmental product design, so that you can build the necessary design foundations to become the next generation of creators, designers, doers and makers.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers work on issues such as drinking water treatment, wastewater processing, solid and hazardous waste disposal, outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution and transfer of infectious diseases, human health and ecological risk management, prevention of pollution through product or process design and renewable and sustainable energy sources. They find ways to clean up oil spills in oceans, deliver clean drinking water to developing communities, design effective recycling systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from factories and vehicles. Environmental engineers can find jobs in every state and internationally.
Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences
Learn about the dynamical, physical and chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere and ocean. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for observing, modeling and understanding climate and global change. This degree will prepare you to pursue a wide range of careers in areas like the energy sector, insurance, military, air and water quality monitoring, weather and aerospace industries. It will provide a solid foundation for advanced degrees in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and for professions in scientific research and academia. A minor in this program is designed for students interested in developing a knowledge base in atmospheric and oceanic science with an emphasis on the Earth’s climate. Additionally, there is flexibility for you to design a course of study that is tailored to your individual interests.
Leadership & Community Engagement
Develop a deep understanding of theories of leadership, public policy and social change. This degree prepares you for careers in community or non-profit organizations, higher education, international development, urban planning, social work, government and more. It is the only program of its kind in Colorado, and part of a small number of emerging community engagement degrees nationwide.
Journalism
Develop skills in information gathering, storytelling and analysis across a variety of platforms—including television, social media, mobile devices, radio and print—using a variety of media tools and technologies. You will also choose a secondary area of study, the equivalent of a minor, to specialize in subjects you wish to cover as a journalist.
Political Science
A degree in political science provides you with the ability to think critically about challenges facing the world today. You will develop research, writing and analytical skills to prepare you for careers in fields such as business, journalism, government, civil service and more.
Leadership Studies minor
Whether you plan to lead a startup, be a community organizer, found a non-profit or run for office, one common ingredient is leadership. For students from all majors, the Leadership Studies Minor is designed for students who are curious about what academic research says about leadership and who want to practice leadership as a CU student. You might not think of yourself as a leader now, but you will learn new ways to think about leadership and discover your own leadership strengths.
Space Minor
The Space Minor is designed to provide you with an overarching background in all aspects of space through the required Pathway to Space course. Course topics include space science and exploration, climate and environment, space business and policy, space arts and media and more! This program is open to all students, regardless of major.
Social Innovation certificate
Solving today’s most complex and pressing societal problems requires innovative thinking. This is especially true in the public, non-profit and social sectors where workers are expected to do more for clients with fewer resources. This certificate program prepares you to work in fields that seek to improve the lives of society's most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. You’ll learn how to design and execute evidence-based strategies for advancing human welfare.
Certificate in Global Environmental Affairs
This certificate links and develops knowledge of global environmental policies and practices. It provides you with opportunities to personalize undergraduate learning and to deepen engagement with world problems. The certificate includes both formal coursework and a 3-credit off-campus experiential component. This may be completed through internship, study abroad or CU in DC.
Certificate in Arctic Studies
This certificate prepares you to address pressing environmental, political and cultural issues in the far north. The arctic region’s population exhibits considerable ethnic, linguistic and sociopolitical diversity, and contains numerous indigenous peoples. Issues as critical as nationalism, territorial rights and law, security, economic development and resource technology place the arctic at the center of global, regional and national interests. Further, the region’s natural and social characteristics have inspired influential and enduring expressive culture—produced by locals and outsiders—from antiquity to the present. These features make study of the arctic ideal for students pursuing careers in international politics and diplomacy, indigenous rights, environmental science and climate change, humanistic scholarship or creative work.
