Environment, Technology and Economy
Sustainability through the lenses of technology and economy
Introduction
Human life and survival depend on the health and availability of the planet's natural resources, from water and air to fossil fuels and other energy sources. In this context, what does it mean to each of us to be a citizen of this community, this country, and this world?
The Environment, Technology and Economy (ETE) program takes on the complex and urgent issues of global sustainability from an environmental, social and economic perspective.
Students explore:
- Human impacts on ecosystems and the natural environment;
- The role of food systems in the just and sustainable production of food; and
- The impact of policy on society and the environment.
The program offers a holistic and intersectional view of sustainability, examining how institutional systems and traditional power structures create differential exposure to environmental hazards depending on race, gender, and national origin. Ultimately, students are encouraged to work towards a more just and sustainable future, both in their personal lives and as agents of systemic change.
ETE is ideal for students who are interested in engaging with the world and their communities. All majors are welcome and in fact, encouraged, to ensure a diversity of perspectives.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
- The impacts of waste on people and the planet
- Global climate change and ecosystem services
- Guest lectures from experts on Climate Change, Indigenous foodways, insect pollinators, environmental policy and other topics
- Sustainable and regenerative approaches to food production and distribution, with an emphasis on the historical roots of these practices in Black and Indigenous cultures
- Corporate sustainability and ecological economics
- New and emerging trends in energy, transportation, biotechnology, and computer science
Learning about the interconnected relationship between environmental issues, economic security and social equity has helped me find connections between my ETE coursework and other classes.
Other Learning Opportunities
ETE offers a variety of opportunities to enhance students' classroom learning. UMD's location near Washington, DC, means students have access to world-class museums and to organizations with national influence.
Students also have the opportunity to:
- Work with a team to write a grant proposal to address an issue they care about, with the opportunity to implement the grant with faculty support;
- Learn about the history and ecology of the Anacostia River with the Anacostia Watershed Society while canoeing with friends;
- Hike in the region's many green spaces, including the Arboretum and Botanical Garden that is the UMCP campus, to experience firsthand the positive impact outdoor activity has on mental health;
- Tour Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first LEED-platinum building;
- Explore permaculture practices and native plant dining at Forested LLC, an experimental food forest.
ETE further works closely with UMD's Office of Sustainability, Resident Facilities, the UMD Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and other partners to facilitate sustainable initiatives on campus. Student projects have included revitalizing an interpretive trail on the Wooded Hillock, reducing student water use in showers, a tree-safe location for hammocks, and installing an algal turf scrubber to clean up campus waterways. Several projects have been awarded grant money so students can put their ideas into action.
Curriculum Overview
Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will complete two supporting courses that will count toward their ETE Scholars citation. In most cases, these will fulfill General Education requirements. Note that your Scholars courses—colloquium, practicum and supporting course—will generally be in addition to any courses you take to satisfy major requirements.
The following table represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the ETE Citation Checklist.
| SEMESTER | COURSE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 12–15 credits | |
| Freshman Spring | Scholars Colloquium | 3 credits |
| Academic Writing | 3 credits | |
| 2–3 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed) | 6–9 credits | |
| Sophomore Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed) | 12–15 credits | |
| Sophomore Spring | Scholars Practicum | 1–3 credits |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed) | 12–15 credits |
Sponsoring College
Residence Hall
Chestertown Hall
Office Address
1108B Chestertown
Office Phone
Faculty
Social Media Etc.
The Diamondback: UMD’s first year book panel discusses how students can act on environmental issues, October 2022
Environment, Technology and Economy News
How Stories Can Save the Planet: A Rhetorical Analysis
Kate Quintana, an ETE Scholar published this insightful paper in the English department's Interpolations publication. This is one of many examples of the excellent work our students are doing across the university.
Farm to Table, UMD Style
Throughout the school year,Farm Manager Guy Kilpatric is the only staff member dedicated to Terp Farm full-time. He collaborates with CMREC staff led by Donald Murphy and relies on partnerships with volunteer groups that come each Saturday, such as the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Terps for Change and College Park Scholars, including the Environment, Technology and Ecology program.
Terp Awarded NOAA Hollings Scholarship
A rising University of Maryland junior is one of 129 students nationwide awarded a 2024 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scholarship to support the research of exceptional undergraduates.As a recipient of the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship, atmospheric and oceanic science (AOSC) major Olivia Griffith, an ETE alum, will receive up to $19,000 over two years, plus professional development opportunities and a paid summer internship at any NOAA facility nationwide. Since the program kicked off in 2009, 55 UMD students have been awarded Hollings Scholarships.
Scholars Demonstrate Diverse Talents at Academic Showcase
Launched in 1997, the annual College Park Scholars Academic Showcase took place Friday evening at the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center. Students from 11 different Scholars programs presented slideshows, posters and more that reflected on their experiential learning outside of the classroom.
Two More Programs Added to Scholars for 2024-25
COLLEGE PARK, MD. – College Park Scholars in Fall 2024 will add two programs to its roster of two-year living-learning experiences for academically talented students, but one will look and sound familiar.Data Justice will debut, and the University of Maryland’s CIVICUS program will relaunch with a new name: Civic Engagement for Social Good.The expansion will bring the number of Scholars programs to a record of 13 and provide 150 additional first-year students with the opportunity to begin their college journeys as members of an intellectually rich and socially vibrant Scholars community.
Scholars Celebrates Citation and Founders Circle Award Winners at Annual Ceremony
When the Citation class of 2023 entered the University of Maryland, they were already adjusting to a rapidly changing world being constantly reshaped by the Covid-19 global pandemic. One thing that didn’t change – their commitment to excellence in the classroom. All who successfully completed the requirements of their respective Scholars program received their official Scholars citation. But there were some that went above and beyond the expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the community.