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College of Natural Resources Environmental Communication Minor

Minor

Turn Passion for the Environment into Powerful Communication

The Environmental Communication Minor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) equips students with the skills needed to effectively communicate complex environmental issues to diverse audiences. If you are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference through writing, media, or public engagement, this minor is the perfect complement to your natural resources education.

What is the Environmental Communication Minor?

This interdisciplinary minor blends communication strategy and environmental expertise, giving students tools to:

  • Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and persuasively
  • Create compelling content across digital, print, and visual media
  • Engage public audiences, policymakers, and stakeholders
  • Support environmental awareness, education, and advocacy

Students combine core coursework in natural resource communication with electives in areas like media production, public relations, interpretation, and technical writing—building a well-rounded, marketable skill set.

Who Can Enroll?

The minor is open to students in the College of Natural Resources (CNR). Students from other majors may request permission to enroll by contacting the CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

This minor is ideal for students majoring in:

  • Environmental Education and Interpretation
  • Environmental Science and Management
  • Forestry
  • Fisheries and Water Resources – Water Resources
  • Soil and Waste Resources – Soil Science and Land Management
  • Wildlife Ecology

Real World Skills You Will Learn

Through project-based learning and collaboration with local organizations, students build a strong portfolio and gain hands-on experience in areas such as:

  • Public speaking and stakeholder engagement
  • Scientific and technical writing for general audiences
  • Interpretive media and environmental storytelling
  • Digital media content creation (video, photo, web)
  • Public relations and media outreach
  • Environmental journalism and crisis communication

Career Opportunities

Graduates with this minor are well-prepared for communication-focused roles in a variety of sectors, including:

  • Environmental Advocacy and Nonprofits
  • Government Agencies (e.g., EPA, DNR, USFWS)
  • Public Relations and Sustainability Offices
  • Environmental Consulting Firms
  • Educational and Interpretive Centers
  • Journalism, Media, and Outreach

Sample job titles include:

  • Environmental Communicator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Media Coordinator or Content Creator
  • Outreach and Education Specialist
  • Environmental Journalist

Enhance your Career and Graduate School Options

The Environmental Communication Minor not only opens doors to immediate career opportunities, but also serves as a strong foundation for graduate programs in:

  • Environmental Communication
  • Media Studies
  • Public Relations
  • Environmental Policy

Students may also pursue professional certifications in public relations or environmental communication to further boost their credentials.

Learn More

Explore the course list, project opportunities, and how to integrate this minor into your degree on the UWSP Catalog page or meet with your adviser.