About the Environmental Studies Program at Siena

Environmental Studies is a relatively new field of study. It is an applied discipline that attempts to solve the environmental problems created by increasing human numbers and advancing human technology. Thus it covers a very broad array of issues, ranging from natural ecosystems to pollution to energy to urban planning.

One thing we have learned about environmental issues is that they require a multidisciplinary approach. There is almost always some scientific expertise needed to understand an environmental problem - an understanding of ecosystem function or chemical reactions, for example. However, most decisions that affect the environment are made because of political and economic considerations rather than scientific ones, and so these subjects are also of critical importance.

In addition, we at Siena believe that appropriate environmental decisions depend upon a solid ethical foundation. There are actions that are right and wrong. We need to examine and understand our values in order to reach correct positions. Human choices about the environment are not value-neutral, nor should they be.

These three areas are reflected in the environmental studies curriculum at Siena College. All ES majors take both introductory and upper-level courses in the environmental sciences, environmental policy, and environmental ethics. Ours is a truly interdisciplinary program.