European Union Studies

The European Council of the University System of Georgia offers a certificate in European Union (EU) Studies through Gainesville State College and other participating institutions.  The EU program is open to all institutions and students of the University System as well as to professionals with an undergraduate degree.

EU Studies is a multidisciplinary program, designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge of European culture, society, politics, economics, and natural sciences.  The European Union and Georgia enjoy extensive interaction – the EU is in fact the largest source of foreign investment in this state – and the program’s goal is to equip participating students for international careers dealing with this dynamic region. 

Requirements for the Certificate include at least 17 hours of coursework and a practicum designed to give first-hand experience related to the EU.  Some of the course work may be completed in residence at Gainesville State College, but most courses are taught online by faculty at participating institutions in Georgia and Europe.  Students may complete the practicum through either study abroad or an approved internship in the United States or in Europe. 

More information is available at www.eustudiesprogram.org.

Environmental Studies Certificate

When it comes to the earth's environment, human impact has expanded dramatically since Rachel Carson first penned the above words in her 1962 groundbreaking work "The Silent Spring". Her voice, along with many others, helped focus concern on the environment and environmental issues. The ability of a society to address both its needs and the protection of its natural habitat is a paramount concern for humankind today and for the future.

 

Culture and the nature of society including its values, beliefs, technology, politic-legal and economic systems to name a few are all vital to understanding the impact man has on the environmental systems of the earth; and it it through these that we can achieve a coherent approach to protect this complex ecosystem called spaceship earth.

The Environmental Studies Certificate at Gainesville State College supports the education and preparation of informed, skilled individuals to participate in the ongoing debates on ecological issues and the resolution of the problems critical to the future of man's relationship to his environment. Those who wish to continue study of the environment can proceed into a bachelors degree in environmental studies or study law, public policy, sociology, anthropology, history, ethics, communications or other academic areas with a focus on the environment.

Here at Gainesville State College a student might wish to consider combining this Certificate with the Geographic Information Science Certificate offered by the Division of Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Technology. Jointly these certificates prepare you for a broad range of occupations in both public and private sector jobs.

"Only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species - man - acquired significant power to alter the nature of his world." - Rachel Carson

"Man has lost the capacity to foresee and forestall. He will end by destroying the earth" - Albert Schweitzer