New major — a win for both students, faculty

A new major in Augustana’s Department of Environment, Geography, and Geoscience brings together two fields long connected by shared goals.

The major — environmental studies and geography — gives students a stronger understanding of how people, places and the environment shape one another and prepares them to tackle the challenges linking all three.

“The merger strengthens our programs for the future,” said Dr. Sarah Lashley, associate professor and department co-chair. “It respects the long history of the geography program and the expertise of faculty to more effectively meet the needs of current students.”

Faculty members proposed the merger after recognizing how closely connected the two programs already were. Combining them expands course options and allows faculty to develop new experiences for students. The result is a program designed to give students broader opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

“Students can expect a stronger and more connected set of courses that better prepares them for careers in a wider range of fields,” Dr. Lashley said. “Bringing environmental studies and geography together also gives students more flexibility to pursue a second major that builds on their interests.”

In addition, the merger creates more opportunities for faculty collaboration, community partnerships and place-based learning tied to real-world issues.

“This major directly reflects the college’s strategic plan,” Dr. Lashley noted. “Experiential, place-based learning that exemplifies interdisciplinary and community collaboration is at the heart of what we do.”