National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE): building capacity in interdisciplinary environmental sciences David Blockstein, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, NCSE Executive Secretary Council of Environmental Deans and Directors June 27, 2013

2 The National Council for Science and the Environment NCSE specializes in programs that foster collaboration between diverse institutions, communities and individuals. We work closely with those creating and using environmental knowledge, including research, education, environmental, and business organizations, as well as governmental bodies at all levels.

Academic Oriented Programs University Affiliate Program and Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (CEDD) Council of Energy Research and Education Leaders (CEREL) Community College Affiliate Program (CCAP) Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) Other Education and Career Development EnvironMentors Online Internship Clearinghouse Encyclopedia of Earth (EoE) and Climate Adaptation, Mitigation and e-Learning (CAMEL)

The NCSE Research Program Perspectives on ideal curriculum design – Consensus on the identity of the ESS field Census of ESS baccalaureate and graduate programs in US – Identify and characterize population National survey of program administrators – Framework for understanding diversity of programs – Elements of ideal curriculum design/models repeat of census and survey 2013 centers and institutes census and survey

Resources – 2010 Report

1151 academic units and programs offering 1,859 IES baccalaureate and graduate degrees at 838 colleges and universities.

Three Types of Undergrad Programs

A framework for understanding undergraduate IE programs

Undergraduate IE interdisciplinary knowledge model

DYNAMIC: Responsive to Workforce 2008 Jobs and Environment Initiative – 2.6% to 3.9% of state GDP and to 2.9% to 4.9% jobs US Department of Labor – 19% increase in the number of environmental scientist and specialist positions, higher than the average for all life, physical and social science occupations (16%), and higher than the average for all occupations (14%) Hard Times: College Majors, Unemployment and Earnings 2013 – Georgetown Public Policy Institute – Environmental Science and Natural Resources majors some of the lowest unemployment rates Demand for new sustainability jobs – Corporate and other organizations, community planning

What types of careers do environmental graduates go into? How do program types relate to career choices and progression? How do graduates of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs progress in the workforce compared to graduates of disciplinary programs? What curricular approaches and elements lead to certain types of careers? What can colleges and universities do to better prepare their students for career success? What factors influence the decisions of individuals to pursue different types of environmental studies and careers?