Careers and Issues in Environmental Resource Management

Catalog description

ERM 151 introduces students to the environmental sciences and resource management field early in their academic experience. The course is the first prescribed ERM course for students in the Environmental Resource Management major, and is also designed for non-majors (e.g. DUS students) interested in exploring career paths in the environmental sciences. Weekly presentations are made by ERM graduates, Penn State faculty, and upper-level students. Course objectives include discussion of topical issues in environmental sciences and resource management, familiarization with environmental career opportunities for graduates, providing feedback to enhance students' Penn State experience, enhancement of critical thinking and communication skills, and creating an opportunity to address student questions about the ERM program. Weekly writing assignments are designed to enhance the learning process and require students to reflect on the day's speaker and the issues of importance to them. A service learning and seminar assignment are also required to familiarize new students to engagement opportunities outside the classroom. Students also develop a draft and final Personal and Professional Development Plan throughout the semester, which is designed to facilitate the establishment and refinement of career goals and objectives, and to be an action plan for their remaining Penn State experience