Environmental Studies  
 

AQ Difference
 
The environmental studies major at Aquinas is a second major which a student takes in conjunction with one of the traditional majors. The environmental studies curriculum is flexible enough so that it is not difficult for a student to acquire two majors in four years.
 
Outstanding Senior Awards 2011
Graduating seniors Amanda Colegrove and Erin Rae Freshour were honored with the Sister Jean Paul Tilmann Award for the 2010-2011 academic year.
Graduating senior Elizabeth S. Beam was honored with the Paul Bieneman Award for the 2010-2011 academic year.
 
Graduate School Destinations for AQ Geography & Environmental Studies Students (2006 - 2011)
Graduate School Destinations for AQ Geography & Environmental Studies Students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Geography and Environmental Studies Department at Aquinas College is to provide students with knowledge of geography and environmental studies befitting their goals: for the general education students that they understand basic tenets of physical geography, human geography, and/or environmental studies; for the education certification students that they obtain the content knowledge necessary for their teaching careers; and for the geography and environmental studies majors that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary for them to succeed in their post-baccalaureate careers.
 
Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1:  The Department’s graduates should understand and analyze environmental relationships.

  • Outcome 1.1: They will understand the interactions of environmental components.
  • Outcome 1.2:  They will understand and interpret the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
  • Outcome 1.3: They will understand and interpret the interrelationships between landforms, weather, water, and ecosystems.
 

Goal 2:  The Department’s graduates should use basic scientific tools and techniques.

  • Outcome 2.1: They will be able to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis, and interpret the results.
 

Goal 3:  The Department’s graduates should be able to read and understand research literature and engage in productive research activities.

  • Outcome 3.1: They will demonstrate and integrate an understanding of the scientific method.
  • Outcome 3.2: They will explain and critically evaluate research within the discipline.
  • Outcome 3.3: They will understand and apply basic measurement techniques used within the discipline.
  • Outcome 3.4: They will design and implement a research plan.
 

Goal 4:  The Department’s graduates should demonstrate professional communication skills.

  • Outcome 4.1: They will write using appropriate spelling, grammar, and composition skills.
  • Outcome 4.2: They will construct and present professional-level presentations of their research.