BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies
Validated by The Open University, UK
Introduction to the Major in Environmental Studies
Deree– The American College of Greece is the first independent educational institution in Greece to introduce an Environmental Studies program. Launched in fall 2010, the program aims to develop students’ understanding of the root causes and multiple dimensions of environmental problems (ecological, social, economic and political) and provide them with the necessary training for effectively addressing these problems in an increasingly complex world.
The program provides students with the theoretical knowledge and skills to:
- enter the professional world and pursue careers related to environmental issues
- become environmentally informed and socially responsible citizens, and
- undertake graduate studies in environmental fields.
What You Will Study: An Interdisciplinary Program
The program combines knowledge from different disciplines to provide students with a better understanding of the complex nature of environmental problems, examining not only their ecological, but also their social, economic and political dimensions. Courses in environmental science, general biology, ecology, chemistry and geology provide students with an understanding of the structure and functioning of natural systems and of their role in supporting life and human activities. Students also examine the relationship between society and environment, economy and the environment, human health and the environment. They acquire knowledge of environmental policy and environmental management principles and they learn about issues of environmental justice and about human responses to global climate change, a major environmental challenge of our days. They are also introduced to research methods used in environmental analysis and acquire practical skills through courses in statistics and geographic information systems. Students conduct projects, including a capstone thesis, through which they develop the cognitive and practical skills needed to conduct research in different environmental studies fields. In their senior year, they have the opportunity to select five optional courses on more specialized topics in the areas of: water resources management, air quality and global atmospheric changes, conservation of wildlife and Mediterranean ecosystems, sustainable food production, sustainable use of resources and waste management, energy and environment, environmental governance in the EU, sustainable cities, education for the environment and sustainability and a special topics course, in which specific contemporary environmental issues are approached using an in-depth, integrated, interdisciplinary approach with emphasis on latest research.
Career/Graduate Study Opportunities
Studying Environmental Studies provides students with a variety of skills that allow them to pursue careers in many different fields. Many Deree Environmental Studies graduates have decided to pursue graduate studies in a wide range of fields such as Environmental Science, Environmental Economics and Policy, Water Resources Management, Environmental Toxicology, Ecology and Conservation, Forestry, Marine Science and Climate Change, Sustainability Studies. Some have also pursued PhD degrees in the above fields, while others have decided to immediately enter the job market.
The increasing pressure to address contemporary environmental issues leads to an increasing demand for professionals with Environmental Studies backgrounds. The graduates of this degree can follow careers as environmental consultants, scientists, educators, and management specialists. More specifically, they may work in: private consulting firms and companies performing environmental studies; private companies such as corporations, banks, market research companies, colleges and universities in the areas of environmental planning (e.g. on air quality, land-use, recreation, transportation, water resources), internal audits, policy and quality assessments; media; nongovernmental organizations in the areas of environmental education and communication (journalism, advertising), and environmental management (water quality management, air quality management, solid and hazardous waste management, land and water conservation, ecosystem and wildlife management); research centers and academic institutions, in environmental research; protected areas as environmental experts, environmental educators or eco-tour guides; and in international posts (e.g. in EU environmental programs) in all of the above areas.
Sustainability at ACG
Environmental Studies students have the opportunity to engage in sustainability-related projects aiming at establishing and enhancing a sustainability culture on campus and creating future sustainability leaders. As a leading educational institution, the American College of Greece recognizes the environmental, economic, and social benefits of resource efficiency and commits to educate, inspire and empower its students, as well as faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees and business partners, to develop a sustainability culture and to collaborate with the local community in promoting sustainability best practices. The Environmental Studies program collaborates closely with the ACG Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES), a pioneer Center in Greece, that was established in 2011 with the aim of promoting sustainability on the ACG campus and beyond.