Centenary College to Offer Environmental Science Major

Hackettstown, N.J.  – Centenary College will offer a new Environmental Science major starting this Fall as a result of interest expressed by students and the forecasted need in the workplace for environmental scientists. 

The Environmental Science program focuses on the relationship between the environment and our daily lives, with particular emphasis on environmental quality, stewardship of the land, human health and how local actions impact the global community.  The goals are to help students understand that the Earth must be treated as a seamless unit, because water, air and soil are all connected and human beings have a physical connection to everyone else on the planet, and thus a global responsibility.

According to Management Information Services, Inc., as of 2007 there were 9 million jobs created in green industries.  It is predicted that by 2030 more than 17 percent of all anticipated employment in the United States will be associated with green collar jobs. 

Experiential learning opportunities for Environmental Science majors include research in environmental marine topics, and internships in hydroponics, environmental consulting companies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Centenary College has long prepared for this curriculum addition.  An Environmental Science Minor and concentration was established at the College in 2009.  The College has a student group called EVERGREEN that raises environmental awareness on campus and in the community with the goal of establishing Centenary as a beacon in stewardship and sustainability efforts through goal-oriented campaigns, education and the yearly celebration of Earth Day.

In the spirit of promoting environmental awareness, since 2008, Centenary College has organized an annual Earth Day for the campus community and the neighboring communities.  Activities included a Science Fair for students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade, various earth friendly activities for children, guest lecturers, a recyclable outfit fashion show and a green vendor exhibit. 

“I am thrilled that the Environmental Science major has been added to the curriculum as it is my passion,” says Emily Borzner, Centenary College sophomore and Co-President of EVERGREEN.  “I wanted to be able to have a positive impact on the environment, and I knew that having the opportunity to major in Environmental Science will provide me with the edge I needed to make that happen.”

For more information about this program, please call 1-800-236-8679.

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary College’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

Centenary College’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary College School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in three locations: Hackettstown, Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.