North Carolina A&T’s environmental studies program has cracked the top five in a national blog recognizing the best HBCU programs in the country.

The program, housed in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences’ Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design, was ranked number 3 in The Edvocate's “Best HBCU for Environmental Science” list in April.

According to the list, N.C. A&T is described as “a renowned institution that offers a comprehensive program that prepares students for leadership roles in environmental science. Students in the Environmental Studies Program are exposed to a range of classes covering environmental science, ecology, and sustainability.” Other ranked universities include Howard University, Tuskegee University, Florida A&M, and Alabama A&M.

Launched in 2014, The Edvocate is an educational blog created to “argue for shifts in education policy and organization in order to enhance the quality of education and the opportunities for learning afforded to P-20 students in America,” according to their website.

Godfrey Uzochukwu, Ph.D., senior professor of earth & environmental sciences and founding director of the university’s interdisciplinary waste management institute, called environmental studies “the cornerstone of sustainability.”

“Students in the [college’s] Environmental Studies program are creative, bright, motivated, and focused,” said Uzochukwu. “They learn how to combine science and humanities for Environmental problem solving. The program is built on a solid foundation of earth sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities to serve society. Students are trained to be leaders and held to a high academic standard and ethics.”

“Careers in environmental science are more in demand than ever,” said Gregory Goins, Ph.D., CAES interim associate dean of research.  “Environmental scientists create innovative solutions that tackle the world’s greatest challenges, including climate change. Environmental scientists tackle issues that affect us all such as pollution and deforestation.”

To read The Edvocate’s full list, go to https://www.theedadvocate.org/best-hbcu-for-environmental-science/.  To learn more about N.C. A&T’s environmental studies program, visit https://www.ncat.edu/caes/departments/natural-resources-and-environmental-design/bs-agricultural-and-environmental-systems-environmental-studies.php.