![[Dept. of Human Ecology]](http://njaes.rutgers.edu/_common/images/subheads/humanecology.gif "[Dept. of Human Ecology]"){kind=small}
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.
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.