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Lycoming College has announced the launch of a new environmental studies major, offering students a distinct path to engage with environmental challenges through the lens of the humanities and social sciences.
The new major is designed to provide balance to Lycoming's existing environmental science program, which is grounded in the natural sciences. Where environmental science focuses on biology, chemistry, and scientific methodology, environmental studies draws from disciplines including English, anthropology, political science, economics, and business, alongside foundational coursework in biology and environmental science. The result is a cross-disciplinary program built for students who want to approach environmental challenges through policy, communication, and community action.
“Science only makes change when people understand it, care about it, and act on it,” said Leslie Rieck, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Lycoming College and director of the environmental studies program. “This major gives students the tools to take environmental research out of the lab and into the policies, businesses, and communities that decide what happens next.”
The environmental studies major prepares graduates for careers with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation groups, and government agencies, as well as graduate study in environmental law or environmental policy. Students will build skills in writing, policy analysis, and public communication, and will have the opportunity to complete internships with non-profits, advocacy groups, law offices, and government agencies. They can also engage in community-based projects, collaborate across faculty disciplines, and participate in organizations including the Lycoming Environmental Awareness Foundation (LEAF) and Outdoor Leadership & Education (OLE) programming.
The interdisciplinary structure of the major also allows students to pair it with a second major or minor, such as political science, business, or English, giving them the flexibility to build a program that aligns with their specific interests and career goals.
Lycoming's location near the Susquehanna River West Branch, Robert Porter Allen Natural Area, the Waterdale Environmental Education Center, and the Lycoming Biology Field Station provides students with direct access to the natural resources and regional organizations central to their studies. The College has established relationships with partners including the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, and the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, among others.
More information is available at https://www.lycoming.edu/environmental-studies/.