These people have labeled themselves “writers”, “scientists”, “artists”, “conservationists”, “lawyers”, “therapist”, “entrepreneurs” or others. The bond shared by these professionals entails a functional understanding of nature, natural processes, and humans’ interactions with nature and processes. What distinguishes the just-mentioned endeavors is how their practitioners investigate and communicate their studies of the environment. Aldo Leopold, as a writer, very effectively told the story of the interdependency of nature’s components. He used the art of writing to explain nature. But as a scientist, he was quite effective in developing the science and principles of wildlife management, using the rigor of applied science.

The Environmental Studies major is the most flexible and designable major within the Environmental Sciences curriculum. People with the desire to interact with our environment on a professional level, and who have artistic or literary ability, business acumen, or other talents they’d like to develop and explore as they progress toward their degree and future profession will find satisfaction with the Environmental Studies major. The major retain a limited core of classes within the Environmental Sciences curriculum, but allows its students to use courses in written and oral communication, psychology, business, literature, outdoor studies, Alaska native studies and other areas, depending on each student’s interests and their “Area of Concentration” within the major.

APU offers an excellent faculty to the student majoring in Environmental Studies. But, APU is also located in the North, the same north that inspired John Muir, John McPhee, Olaus and Mardy Murie, Robert Service, Roald Amundsen, and a host of other accomplished writers, explorers, and scientists. Even more today than in the past, Alaska is positioned on the cusp of great change and great challenges within its terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environments. Opportunities abound for those who can study, record, publicize, manage, or predict the course and ramifications of meeting these challenges. APU’s faculty recognizes these opportunities and is committed to sharing them with students.