Transcending Traditional Boundaries
Environmental studies at Ripon is a field of study that transcends
traditional disciplinary boundaries. Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy
and Economics provide a core from which students can explore a
variety of diverse topics relating to the environment. The core
provides information and experience necessary for careers in environmental
studies. To meet the demands of their varying interests, students
can “customize” their majors by selecting elective
courses in art, anthropology, biology, chemistry, economics, history,
mathematics, politics and government, and sociology. For example,
students wishing to pursue a career in environmental law would
choose a different suite of courses than a student preparing for
a career in environmental toxicology.
The college supports numerous off-campus study opportunities,
including study in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Tanzania, Wales, Costa
Rica, northern Minnesota, Canada and Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institute in Massachusetts. Internships and work in businesses
or government agencies provide other hands-on experiences.
Many graduates (who majored in environmental studies, biology
or a related field) have gone on to careers in environmental fields.
Some examples: CEO of an environmental consulting firm, industrial
hygiene manager, environmental lawyer, U.S. Forest Service, CEO
of environmental toxicology firm, Environmental Protection Agency
and several in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Many
students pursue advanced education at the master’s and Ph.D.
levels.
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