Environmental Studies in Catholic Higher Education

Undergraduate:

University of Portland: (Portland, OR; Holy Cross)

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Ethics and Policy

This interdisciplinary major is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in environmental science and ecology and the influence these sciences have on the development of political policy, environmental ethics, and recent theological reformulation within the Judeo-Christian tradition. In addition to those required for the core curriculum, students take at least two and as many as six theology courses within the major. Among the courses offered are “Theological Environmental Ethics” and “Theology in Ecological Perspective”. The program culminates in a capstone experience that challenges students to apply their studies to specific issues pertinent to the Pacific Northwest.

Marquette University: (Milwaukee, WI; Jesuit)

Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Ethics

Marquette’s Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Ethics looks to provide undergraduate students with the tools needed to reflect on the ethical dimensions of environmental issues. Students take five diverse courses that develop skills and awareness in the natural sciences and the theological and philosophical traditions that will influence ethical decision making. The program culminates in a capstone seminar during which students will identify the ethical questions pertaining to a particular environmental problem and develop approaches to its resolution. A recent capstone group examined different methods of energy generation from scientific, theological, and philosophical perspectives, and offered recommendations for future use based on their examination. Students are also encouraged to serve in private and public organizations, government agencies and businesses that are addressing the problem.