Environment, Society, and Culture
Minor
Apply nowExplore the environment, society, and culture minor at UW-Eau Claire
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's environment, society, and culture minor encourages you to examine social and environmental conflicts and the policies and strategies used to address them. Coursework focuses on a variety of perspectives, including those related to ethics, environment, history, sociology, economics, geography, gender, public policy and health.
Rooted in experiential learning and research, the interdisciplinary minor allows for true investigation and social change. Projects and presentations will integrate concepts and tools from multiple disciplines across the university to address challenges on both a local and global level. You might identify what chemicals are polluting rivers and how they impact human health or which economic practices will help end poverty and protect the natural world.
While applying principles of environmental justice, civic engagement, sustainability and strategic policy approaches, you'll gain critical skills and a deeper understanding of how environmental issues impact society — and what you can do to make a difference.
Why environment, society, and culture at UW-Eau Claire?
Real-world experience and impact. Coursework in the environment, society and culture minor will encourage you to research and respond to environmental challenges, including climate change, water pollution, air quality, food safety, loss of habitats, urbanization and the spread of disease. Opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty or work on projects with community organizations provide you with connections, new ways of thinking and professional experience.
Internship opportunities. While pursuing a minor in environment, society and culture, you will have the option to complete an internship as part of your coursework. These internships are a great opportunity for you to gain experience, discover career paths and meet future employers. Possible internships could include working with national park conservation, writing about sustainability issues or conducting research on marine mammals.
Relevant student organizations. Meet people who have the same passion for the environment as you by joining one of many UWEC student organizations. On-campus groups like the Student National Environment Health Association, the Conservation Club or Women and Gender Minorities in STEM meet regularly to discuss volunteer, networking and learning opportunities.
Personalized education. The environment, society and culture minor is made up of courses chosen by you. Explore topics in biology, chemistry, geography, environmental public health, economics, environmental science, sociology, philosophy, history, math, and women's, gender and sexuality studies. This multidisciplinary approach allows you to study areas that interest you while learning from a variety of departments and faculty members.
Ranked an environmentally-responsible
Green College
by the 2024 Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges
Environment, society, and culture minor curriculum
Courses within the environment, society, and culture minor will provide you with the awareness and tools to make a positive impact on the environment — both locally and globally. Through courses from a variety of disciplines, you will study the political, economic and social dimensions of environmental problems; address environmental issues through scientific, socioeconomic and ethical perspectives; and recognize the spiritual and philosophical interconnections between humans and the environment.
What classes do environment, society, and culture minors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Environmental biology and conservation
- Sustainable cities
- Environmental economics
- Climatology
- Environmental health
- Physics of renewable energy
- Environmental hazards
- Social class and inequality
Learn more about the environment, society, and culture minor in the UWEC catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
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Thinking about minoring in environment, society and culture? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.
Department information
Public Health and Environmental Studies
Hibbard Humanities Hall 384124 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Public Health and Environmental Studies department website