Sample Proposal II: "Environmental Policy Focus" Proposed B.S. in Liberal Studies Jerry R. Dodson — Social Security 200-00-0000 2603 Phelter Lane, Bowie, Md. 20715 301/687-1999 (School) 301/262-1999 (Home) E-mail: Jdodson@frostburg.edu Environmental Policy Focus (The title must not duplicate any existing FSU major programs) Self Statement (All self-statements must briefly and clearly address how your planned course of study will contribute your life plans) In 1998, I completed, through the Americorps program in cooperation with the Maryland Conservation Corps, one year of service, which contributed to the partial funding of my education at Frostburg State University. I had already known that I had a keen interest in the environment, but the program offered me the opportunity of hands-on experience in such areas as environmental engineering and water quality testing. Upon completion of the program, I was determined to continue my education in an environmental field. I chose to pursue a Liberal Arts degree at Frostburg because, in my opinion, it affords me the best overall program for a focus in environmental policy. I have been able, through selection and diversity, to pursue courses in the environmental field that will provide an educational base broad enough to support me in future career goals. Courses in physical science give me an appreciation of the geological history and elements of the earth we stand on. Environmental policy and public policy give me an good overall understanding of how a policy is both created and implemented in the United States. Courses in environmental planning and human ecology provide an understanding of the delicate balance between humans and their effects on the environment. Policy courses, such as environmental law, and urban planning show me that people can and should try to regulate the actions of the community so that the world as our parents and grandparents knew it can be preserved for future generations. In Mathematics, logic and probability have helped me to evaluate and put in practice some environmental policies. For example, through my environmental algebra course, I learned that we are able to project, statistically, cause-and-effect relationships in erosion and urban development. Writing courses have enhanced by ability to communicate, a necessary ingredient for success in a policy career. Of particular importance are courses not directly related to environmental policy, such as aerial photo interpretation, which has taught me the fundamentals of proper map understanding, a skill that may be helpful to my future employers as well as myself. Upon graduation in December 2002, I will have completed over 33 hours of core courses in environmental policy. Those, coupled with other necessary courses, have, I believe, provided me with an excellent background. At this time, I am considering returning to the Americorps program (Maryland Conservation Corps) as a team leader, to give something back to the program and to renew my contacts with such environmentally concerned organizations as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.