Mission
The Department of Human Ecology of Cook College addresses the human
dimensions of environmental problems. Faculty from diverse disciplines
use their expertise in the natural and social sciences to study
the effects of human activities on the environment and the impact
of environmental changes on individuals and communities.
Research
The Department's research program responds to the needs of New
Jersey and the nation and to the specific missions of Cook College
and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. It has particular
strength in three areas:
- Individual, community and governmental
responses to environmental risk;
- Problems of social adjustment and management
under changing natural resource availability;
- Methodologies for studying human-environment
interactions.
Examples of specific research projects
include: social and economic effects of regulatory changes on fisherman;
impacts of population, economic growth and fiscal austerity on small
municipalities; design of risk communications; public response to
radon and lead hazards; homeowner pesticide use; psychiatric impacts
of natural disasters; reforestation in the eastern United States;
environmental science and policy in China; human ecology of tropical
forests; methodology and explanation in social science; scientific
information use in marine policy. Funding sources include: Sea Grant/NOAA,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, N.J. Department of Environmental
Protection, National Science Foundation, National Cancer Institute,
U.S. Department of Labor.
The faculty of the department of human ecology also have extensive
international experience. They are involved in research in Indonesia
, Canada , China , South Africa , Ecuador , Russia , South Korea
, and Papua New Guinea.
Careers
One particular strength of working towards a degree in Environmental
Policy, Institutions, and Behavior is that students can tailor
their education to prepare for many kinds of careers. Our graduates
often find jobs working as policy analysts, environmental specialists,
planners, managers, administrators, staff members, communications
experts, researchers and legislative liaisons. They work for health
and environmental agencies at all levels of government. They work
for local, national and international non-profit agencies like
the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, and the Sierra
Club. Some graduates work as Peace Corps volunteers. Other graduates
work for private companies including environmental consulting
and engineering firms, insurance firms concerned with environmental
risks, and a variety of businesses and industries manufacture,
distribute and sell environmentally-related products and services.
Many students
go on to graduate school or to professional schools. Graduates
pursue advanced degrees in anthropology, communications, ecology,
geography, integrated pest management, public health, psychology,
sociology, and urban planning. Many are also accepted to dental
schools, medical schools, nursing schools, and law schools.
Graduate Teaching Program
Members of the Department participate in Rutgers University's
M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Anthropology, Ecology, Geography, Psychology,
Sociology, and Nutritional Sciences. Human Ecology is a recognized
area of specialization in the first two of these programs. Students
in the other listed programs participate in Departmental research
projects and hold Graduate Teaching Assistantships.
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