FROM LAND TO LAW
The Environmental Policy/Law minor provides students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary understanding of the policies and laws that shape our relationship with the environment. It combines aspects of political science, economics, and environmental science to offer insights into the legal frameworks that govern environmental conservation and sustainable use of resources. Students will explore pressing environmental issues from climate change to biodiversity loss and the legislative efforts to address them. This minor prepares students for careers in agriculture, food studies, environmental advocacy, policy-making, and legal professions.
Degrees
Environmental Policy/Law
Minor
Why Study Environmental Policy/Law?
Morningside University’s Environmental Policy/Law minor explores the intersection of agriculture, environmental science, public policy, and law to prepare students for careers focused on sustainability, conservation, and environmental leadership. Through interdisciplinary coursework and applied learning experiences, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to address today’s environmental and agricultural challenges.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Combine agriculture, environmental science, policy, and legal studies in an interdisciplinary curriculum
- Real-world projects and applied policy experiences
- Build analytical skills for solving complex environmental challenges
THE MORNINGSIDE DIFFERENCE
Hands-On Learning Environment
You'll have access to our 3,300 square-foot state-of-the-art Lags Greenhouse, Rosen Ag Center, the 76-acre Lags Farm, the campus garden, Cargill Outdoor Classroom, and more to give you hands-on experience outside the classroom preparing you for success.
Externship Program
Our externship program allows you to participate in a paid, semester-long externship in Sioux City, greater Iowa or beyond and work side-by-side with management and production teams doing real agriculture in the real world.
Career Opportunities
Morningside graduates of the agriculture and food studies program have gone into careers at Tyson Foods, Palmer Candy Company, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Administration, regional cooperatives, and more.
LEARN BY DOING
REGINA ROTH APPLIED AGRICULTURE AND FOOD STUDIES DEPARTMENT
As an Agricultural and Food Studies student, you’ll learn how different agricultural production and business systems affect crop yields, farm and agribusiness profitability, soil health, and models of long-term sustainability. You’ll also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities giving you hands-on experience for the real world.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
An Environmental Policy & Law minor prepares you to address complex environmental and agricultural challenges through policy, advocacy, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. You’ll develop an understanding of legal systems, public policy, economics, and environmental issues that can be applied across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Potential careers include:
- Regulatory Affairs Assistant
- Policy Analyst
- Environmental Compliance Specialist
- Conservation Specialist
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Agricultural Advocacy Coordinator
Graduates with a background in Environmental Policy & Law pursue careers focused on protecting natural resources, shaping public policy, and promoting sustainable practices. They work in government, nonprofit organizations, private industry, and advocacy groups that address environmental and agricultural issues. Graduates work in organizations such as:
- Corporate sustainability and compliance departments
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- State and local government agencies
- Environmental and conservation organizations
- Agricultural industry associations and commodity groups
- Nonprofit advocacy and policy organizations
- Law firms specializing in agricultural or environmental law
Environmental Policy & Law coursework explores the intersection of law, economics, politics, and environmental stewardship. You’ll study topics such as environmental regulations, public policy, global sustainability, and the legal systems that shape decision-making while developing the analytical skills needed to address today’s environmental challenges. Featured courses include Environmental Law, International Political Economy, Introduction to United States Law, and Economics and Public Policy.
WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?
13:1
student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you
99%
employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation
65+
majors & pre-professional programs available
Related Majors & Minors
Still looking for the right fit? check out some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.
Explore Related
MEET THE FACULTY
Dr. Thomas Paulsen
Professor & Dean of Agriculture and Aviation / Interim Dean, School of Business
Thomas’s Profile
Next Steps
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