The Center for Advanced Undergraduate Studies and Experience (CAUSE) is a unique center that supports the educational mission of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, providing special services, courses, and facilities that are not available at the departmental level. A goal of the center is to promote undergraduate research and study abroad/study away. CAUSE-sponsored courses provide “real world experiences” for students – a chance to leave the classroom behind and spend time tackling a topic of contemporary importance in the field.
About CAUSE
CAUSE was created in the early 1990s to promote interdisciplinary, problem-based learning opportunities for undergraduates. CAUSE experiences vary from year to year and range from a multi-semester seminar course that allows students to do theme-based research both in the classroom and out in the field with a Maymester of summer travel component or one semester courses with an embedded travel component. CAUSE courses focus on the political, economic, and physical environment of a selected country or area. CAUSE courses are open to all majors in the college and every effort is made to keep costs affordable to make the experience accessible to a greater number of students. Recent CAUSE experiences have focused on both international and U.S. locations.
CAUSE 2024
CAUSE 2024: EMSC 299 Study Away with The GREEN Progarm - 3 credits
Practice sustainability in costal communities and ocean conservation in Belize over spring break 2024. Join Penn State faculty and The GREEN Program in Belize and learn from Belize's local community experts, participate in citizen science, and take action for a sustainable future with service-learning projects. Discover the impact of grassroots initiatives, and the intersectionality between life on land and life below water.