Graduate Minor in Environmental Arts and Humanities 

The Graduate Minor in Environmental Arts and Humanities allows students to complement a MA, MS, or PhD at Oregon State University. The EAH Graduate Minor will provide students with an in-depth understanding of conceptual discourses (e.g., philosophy, history, religious studies, literature, music, theater, etc.) that work in the world of creative imagination, conceptual analysis, and historical and moral reasoning.

The goal of the Graduate Minor is to educate students about the cultural, moral, historical, spiritual, creative, and communication dimensions of environmental issues, to prepare them for good, wise work in such positions as environmental NGO’s, government and land agencies, advocacy groups, corporations, green business, journalism, conservation and stewardship, formal and informal education, and other environmental positions that require strong, creative communication and reasoning skill sets and humanistic understanding.

Admission Requirements

Any student who has been accepted to a graduate program at OSU is eligible to complete a Graduate Minor in Environmental Arts and Humanities.

Graduate Minor Requirements

Students are required to take 12 Environmental Arts and Humanities credits chosen from the following list:

  • Environmental Arts and Humanities Field Course (EAH 506). The Environmental Arts and Humanities Field Course is an intensive week of study. Living and working together in a forest setting, students will explore the dynamic relationships between the arts, humanities, and sciences, the history and theory of environmental humanities, the role of environmental humanities in addressing environmental crises, and the moral urgency of action. Students will contextualize these with their primary thesis or project ideas, and the course will offer a chance for students to form a collaborative academic community. (3 credits; typically before Fall Term)
  • Environmental Science in Context (EAH 512). Students will gain a working understanding of the scientific method, theory, and analysis, including how to interpret and evaluate risk assessment, statistics-based arguments, and graphs. Students will also gain an understanding of the history and role of the sciences in environmental discourses. (4 credits, Fall Term)
  • Perspectives in Environmental Arts and Humanities (EAH 511). Through lectures and discussions, students will be introduced to various methods of inquiry in the arts and humanities. Students will become proficient in a method of inquiry that complements their research interests and/or career goals. (4 credits, Winter Term)
  • Seminar on Thesis or Project Proposal Writing (EAH 507). Students will receive guidance and feedback as they develop their thesis or project proposal including their topic, method of inquiry, plan for fieldwork or internship, timeline, and budget. They will then present their proposal to their colleagues and committee. Final year students will assist in feedback and present their work formally (3 credits, Spring Term)
  • Professional Development (EAH 508). Students will have the opportunity to network with professionals and will be introduced to possible research topics, projects, fieldwork or internships, and career paths. (1 credit, Every Term)
Student Responsibilities

If you would like to declare a Minor in Environmental Arts and Humanities please contact the program director, Dr. Jacob Hamblin, for more information (jacob.hamblin@oregonstate.edu).