Union will launch three minors – in civil engineering, climate change studies, and musical theater and vocal performance – that will be available to students who matriculate at Union in fall 2025.
Civil engineering
The new minor expands the option for students interested in the field, which involves designing and creating roads, bridges, water systems, buildings and other constructions. In particular, the creation of the minor provides an opportunity for students outside of the discipline to expand their knowledge of the profession.
CE was reintroduced as a major in fall 2022 after a hiatus. The department offers a wide range of subfields, including construction management, which provides a unique perspective on the management of large-scale design projects.
Overall, the minor aims to deepen the understanding of the field to support a more informed citizenry.
Climate change studies
This cross-disciplinary minor focuses on complex global issues related to minimizing and adapting to climate change beyond technical and scientific considerations.
It is designed to foster an examination of climate change from perspectives in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, science and engineering. It complements the Environmental Science, Policy and Engineering Program as well as several departments across campus that offer climate studies courses.
Unlike most of its peer schools, Union is able to offer a climate studies minor because it has several climate-focused faculty who are social scientists and humanists. The new minor will help the College respond to a growing demand for valuable career pathways related to the environment and sustainability.
Musical theater and vocal performance
This minor provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study and practice of musical theater and opera.
Building upon existing courses that are offered regularly, it blends Union’s strengths in music, theater, dance and interdisciplinary studies by providing opportunities to explore and develop skills in several areas. These include vocal technique, dramatic interpretation, and the historical and cultural context of musical theater and opera.
Students’ engagement in academic and performance-based courses will prepare them for careers and further study in musical theater, opera and related fields. The region’s rich array of theater and other arts institutions will offer opportunities for research, immersion and experiential learning.