Hastings College Announces Three New Majors
(Hastings, Nebraska) – Hastings College is excited to announce the addition of three new majors to its academic offerings: Environmental Studies, Skilled and Technical Sciences Education, and Agricultural Education. All three are available for students enrolling this fall.
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major housed in the Psychology and Sociology Department. Skilled and Technical Sciences Education and Agricultural Education are 6-12 field endorsements housed in the Teacher Education Department and made possible by the College’s partnership with Central Community College (CCC) in Hastings.
All three programs respond directly to growing interest from prospective and current students, as well as workforce needs in Nebraska and the region.
“We’re thrilled to offer majors that reflect student interest and also address some of the workforce shortages in Nebraska,” said Dr. Wayne Riggs, Hastings College academic dean. “Our partnership with Central Community College allows us to provide flexible pathways for students to pursue high-demand careers in agriculture and technical education while enjoying the full four-year college experience at Hastings College.”
About the New Majors
Environmental Studies — This interdisciplinary major equips students to tackle complex environmental challenges through coursework in the biological and social sciences. Developed in response to student interest, the program offers a broad foundation for understanding both current and historical environmental issues. The major pairs well with complementary minors such as criminology, government and public policy, biology or business. It prepares graduates for careers in conservation, law enforcement, wildlife management, legal studies, forestry and related fields, as well as for admission to graduate programs.
Agricultural Education — Students pursuing this endorsement will also complete the Secondary Education major at Hastings College, which includes student teaching, and preparation to become a licensed teacher. The program includes a minimum of 36 credits at CCC ranging from agribusiness to animal, food products and processing and plant systems. There is high demand for agriculture education teachers across the state, and Hastings College is the only college in western and central Nebraska with an Agriculture Education program.
Skilled and Technical Sciences Education — Similar to Agricultural Education, this endorsement requires completion of the Secondary Education major to become a licensed teacher. Students will take at least 36 credits at CCC, in areas such as architecture and construction, energy and engineering, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics. This program prepares students to teach in high-demand STS open teaching positions, and Hastings College is the only college in western and central Nebraska to offer it.
“These new majors are a direct response to what we’re hearing from students and employers,” Riggs added. “They open doors for students to pursue meaningful, in-demand careers right here in Nebraska, and they reinforce our commitment to serving the needs of our community and state.”