Feb 27, 2013 - Claremont, Calif. - Global need and student interest have prompted Harvey Mudd College to add an Emphasis in Environmental Analysis certificate to its educational offerings.

Students who pursue the emphasis take six courses beyond the College Core in a program of study that allows them to address environmental issues from a range of perspectives, without changing their major. 

 “What the world needs are really sophisticated, well-educated individuals in the sciences who are interested in applying their skills to global environmental issues,” said physics Professor Richard Haskell, director of the HMC Center for Environmental Studies. “We decided the best thing for the students, the College and the global community is to keep students in their respective majors and provide some structure for those interested in environmental careers to pursue that interest and have it reflected on their transcript.”

Twenty-one students have declared their intent to pursue the emphasis.

In choosing their six courses, students must select at least two in science, engineering or mathematics, and three from recognized disciplines within humanities, social sciences and the arts (HSA).

“The emphasis requires three HSA courses because at least half of solving environmental issues revolves around things such as economics, communication, the psychology of working with the public and the history of a situation,” Haskell said. 

The program has been designed so that students can weave the required coursework into their existing studies. The HSA courses, for example, can count toward both the environmental emphasis and their College requirement in the humanities, social sciences and the arts. If a student’s research experience—summer, yearlong or Clinic—has a substantial environmental analysis component, the student can seek approval to count that as one course of the required six-course total.

“There has always been significant demand for environmental courses, research experiences and Clinics at the College,” said Professor Hal Van Ryswyk, Department of Chemistry chair and advisor for the environmental emphasis program. “The Emphasis in Environmental Analysis will allow students to augment their studies in each of the HMC majors so that they have a stronger basis from which to consider the environmental impact of their work.”

Students must declare, in or before their fifth semester, their intent to pursue the emphasis. Those who meet the requirements for the Emphasis in Environmental Analysis will receive a certificate from the HMC Center for Environmental Studies.

View more information about the Emphasis in Environmental Analysis Certificate.