Environmental Studies

Capitalizing on the unique and varied environmental settings in southern Oregon, the Environmental Studies program effectively prepares its students for success in a broad range of environmental careers. The ES curriculum provides students with the interdisciplinary academic knowledge and the practical experiences necessary for them to successfully address complex environmental issues, both regional and global.

The Environmental Studies Department has completed an exciting overhaul of the ES curriculum. The new curriculum has been approved and will be in place starting Fall 2009. ES Majors choose a concentration in Cultural Resource Management, Earth Sciences, Ecology and Conservation, Land Use Planning, or Sustainable Development.

Certificate in Sustainability Leadership Program

This certificate prepares students to understand the issues and challenges involved in creating a sustainable business, community, and ecosystem. Students who complete the certificate will have a strong grasp of what sustainability is, how it is achieved, and the forces that discourage sustainable systems. This understanding will enhance their ability to serve as effective leaders in public, private, and nonprofit organizations throughout the region and state.

Master of Science in Environmental Education

Environmental Education is a 1½ year master’s program. A hands-on program, it provides field-oriented courses that broaden students’ scientific understanding of the environment, exposes students to environmental problems and associated social conflicts, and prepares students to become effective environmental educators.

Southern Oregon University is uniquely situated to prepare the environmental educators of the future. The Biology Department includes a number of field-oriented biologists in various disciplines eager to work with developing environmental educators. SOU is committed to serving and supporting a variety of environmental programs including the Environmental Studies undergraduate program, programs at Deer Creek Center for Field Research and Education, and the Crater Lake Science and Learning Center.

Deer Creek Center for Field Research & Education

Southern Oregon University, in partnership with the Siskiyou Field Institute, is actively developing the Deer Creek Center for Field Research and Education (DCC). The 870 acre site is located adjacent to the Illinois River canyon, the Siskiyou Mountains and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, one of the largest wilderness areas in the state of Oregon. DCC is surrounded on three sides by public land providing easy access to land far beyond the boundaries of the site. The site includes areas dominated by serpentine soils and the unique flora and fauna associated with them. Fens with carnivorous cobra lilies and a number of endemic plants are some of the most distinctive features.

Crater Lake Science & Learning Center

The Crater Lake Science and Learning Center recently opened just below the rim of Crater Lake. It is operated jointly by the National Park Service, the Oregon Institute of Technology and Southern Oregon University.

The facilities include recently refurbished historic buildings at the Headquarters. The program serves teachers and students from the region providing instruction and interpretation primarily in the summer and fall. The program works closely with Park interpreters. There are expanding opportunities for our graduate students to work in these programs.