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Why Minor in Environmental Writing at Allegheny College

As an Allegheny English—Environmental Writing student, you’ll explore how writers construct meaning and express the human experience. We’ll prepare you for your future by cultivating deep thinking, insightful analysis, and compelling expression.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Environmental Writing with:

Concentrations

  • Creative writing
  • Literature

Division

  • Language, Literature, and Culture

Program Type

  • Minor

Number of Credits

24 for minor

Careers in Environmental Writing

A degree in Environmental Writing prepares you for jobs in industries such as:

  • Writing/editing
  • Education
  • Publishing
  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Business

Where Environmental Writing Alumni Work Today

Senior Research Associate

University of Idaho in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology

Paige Hickman ’17

Plastic Pollution Consultant

The World Bank

Zoie Diana ’14

Research Technician

Pennsylvania State University

Bella Petitta ’21

Landscape Designer

Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

Jennifer Lauer ’12

Environmental Scientist

ARCADIS U.S.

J. Mark Burkhart ’14

Project Environmental Specialist

GAI Consultants, Inc.

Anna (Koebley) Findish ’14

Park Ranger

Allegheny County

Lindsey Waugaman ’14

Sustainability Coordinator

Reed College

Rachel Willis ’12

Life Scientist

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Michelle Woods ’18

Wildlife Specialist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Cameron Eddy ’12

Executive Education Intern

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Ivy Ryan ’19

Wolf Research Technician

Voyageurs Wolf Project

Maggie Baham ’23

Heritage GIS Technician

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Megan Kresse ’22

Campaign Manager for Clean Water Advocacy

PennFuture

Jenny Tompkins ’18

Adele Gilman '20

Allegheny is incredible for having the Civic Engagement department.

Adele Gilman ’20 Allegheny Volunteer Service Leader View Adele’s Story
Carolyn '73

That brand new ‘Aquatic Environments’ major 50 years ago has grown into an amazing program!

Carolyn ’73 Environmental Safety Staff, Johnson & Johnson View Carolyn’s Story

Your Four-Year Journey

PROGRAM Overview

Year One: Understanding

You will take at least two courses outside the English Department that will deepen your understanding of the natural environment or of environmental issues. One course must come from the Environmental Science Department, and we strongly recommend ENVSC 110 – Introduction to Environmental Science.

Year Two: New Approaches

In your first and into your second year, you will study multiple genres of literary works concerning the environment and develop the ability to read carefully and understand the relationship between literary texts, the Environment, and a range of historical and/or literary contexts.

Year Three: Delving Deeper

Study the craft of fiction, poetry, or nonfiction through critical examination of both professional and student work. Explore areas within that genre and compose works that demonstrate an attention to ecology or environmental concerns.

Year Four: The Comp

Your focus on creative expression and revision in the Environmental Writing minor will undoubtedly be an asset as you write your Senior Comp in any subject!

Research and Internships

Internships

The real-world experience you’ll gain in an internship will help you successfully transition from college to the workforce.

  • Allegheny students have interned in variety of organizations,including:
  • Smith Brothers Advertising, Pittsburgh
  • Modern Language Association
  • Marketing, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio
  • Crawford County READ Program
  • Service Learning
  • Meadville Tribune

Faculty and Staff

Soledad Caballero

Professor

Ph.D., M.A., Tufts University; B.A., Appalachian State University

Frequently Asked Questions About the English Program

What are the course requirements for the Environmental Writing minor?

Requirements:
ENGL 116 – Literature and the Environment

Take two of the following (8 credits):
ENGL 205 – Writing Fiction
ENGL 206 – Writing Poetry
ENGL 210 – Writing Creative Nonfiction

Take one of the following (4 credits):
ENGL 405 – Advanced Workshop in Fiction
ENGL 406 – Advanced Workshop in Poetry
ENGL 410 – Advanced Workshop in Creative Nonfiction

What are the co-requisite courses for the Environmental Writing minor?

Take three of the following (12 credits):

  • Any course in Biology
  • Any course in Environmental Science and Sustainability (ENVSC 110, Introduction to Environmental Science strongly recommended)
  • Any course in Geology
  • ECON 231 – Environmental Economics and Policy
  • ENGL 207 – Editing and Publishing
  • ENGL 230 – British Literatures
  • ENGL 231 – American Literatures

Program Contact

Jennie Votava

Department Chair

Email (814) 332-4334