Through an interdisciplinary approach to interactions between the biological/physical world and human institutions, students will (1) apply science to understanding ecosystems and natural resources, (2) understand the policy and social implications of environmental issues, (3) gain knowledge and skills to understand, analyze, address and manage the consequences of human actions on the physical, biological, and cultural world, (4) gain knowledge and skills to seek out the information and resources necessary to understand complex environmental issues, (5) develop the writing, speaking, and electronic communication skills needed to communicate with the public and professionals concerning the environmental sciences, (6) apply critical thinking skills as the basis for decision making and sound value judgments.<br><br>Graduates should find work with state, federal, and local governments, nonprofit conservation organizations, private sector consulting firms (particularly those dealing with environmental impact analysis, environmental planning, wetlands delineation, environmental restoration, geospatial applications in natural resources, energy technology and planning, and natural resource management), or go on to professional and graduate schools to study ecology, environmental law, environmental planning, human dimensions of natural resources, outdoor recreation management, geospatial science, natural resources management, wilderness management, public administration, or environmental policy.