The University of Wisconsin, known for its natural spaces and a tradition of environmental stewardship, will introduce a new major in environmental studies after years of demand from students. 

UW students will soon have the option to major in environmental studies after UW System officials approved the addition in a Board of Regents meeting Friday.

Previously, students could only pursue a certificate in environmental studies, this despite a strong tradition of environmental research at the university.

Stephen Ventura, a professor of soil science and a major proponent of the programs,  said the first option is an environmental studies major, which would only be offered in conjunction with another major to allow for a broad range of exposure in social sciences and humanities.

The environmental studies option would be administered through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, building on the currently existing certificate program.

A statement from UW said since the program began in 1979, more than 1,800 undergraduates have earned a certificate in environmental studies with a bachelor’s degree in a variety of subjects. The administration hopes to keep this diversity by designing the majors to appeal to a broad range of students.

Ventura said while the program might draw more students to the university, the overall goal in implementing the majors is to provide the opportunity to earn a degree that is “appropriately labeled for students’ interests.”

Students will also have the option of selecting a new environmental sciences major, which will be available through either the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences or the College of Letters and Sciences.

“The environmental sciences major is intended to provide in-depth treatment of the environmental sciences, particularly biological and physical, that will prepare students for environmental positions or furthering education upon graduation,” Ventura said.

The statement said another advantage of adding the major options is based off recent economic surveys that show environmental fields are where some of the most rapid job growth will occur between now and 2016.

Gregg Mitman, director of the Nelson Institute, said students are excited about the possibilities of a “green future” and said the new environmental majors will provide students with tools for this future.

Ventura said many students had said the environmental studies option was desirable. 

“The changes were made in recognition of many years of pent-up interest and demand for these majors,” Ventura said. “Students had expressed an interest, and we were finally able to overcome the bureaucratic and political impediments to put these in place.”

The statement said UW is one of the most environmentally engaged universities in the world, citing numerous influential environmental scholars, scientists and historians with ties to the university, such as Gaylord Nelson and Charles R. Van Hise.

“It is finally providing recognition in our undergraduate education for one of the true strikes of the university,” Ventura said. “There are people in many of our departments with a great deal of expertise in environmental issues, and now students will be able to directly tap into that experience and have it reflected in their transcript.”