The major in environmental studies provides students with an understanding of the natural science of environmental issues as well as the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to policy and planning decisions. Through this major, students will gain the necessary professional and technical skills for entry into successful environmental careers or for graduate studies in environmental fields. The major offers five specialization options in environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, environmental geography, and environmental policy.
Requirements for Major (BS) in Environmental Studies
The requirements for the major in environment studies have three parts:
- Foundational courses in supporting disciplines. Some of these courses also serve as prerequisites for courses within the specializations. These foundational courses must be completed before students take ENST 304
- A core requirement consisting of six interdisciplinary ENST courses, two upper-level electives, and a capstone experience outside of the classroom (research, internship, service learning, or study abroad)
- A specialization consisting of 6-9 courses that focus on one area of study
Requirements for a double major with BS in environmental studies
The following double major combinations will have the environmental studies specialization course requirements waived for the BS degree in environmental studies; all environmental studies foundation and core course requirements must be completed. Required courses for the first degree major may not be used to fulfill upper-division environmental studies elective requirements (7-10 credits).
Bachelor Degree (Disciplinary)
Bachelor Degree (Environmental Studies)
BS Environmental Geological Sciences
BS Environmental Studies: Environmental Geology Specialization
BS Biology
BS Environmental Studies: Environmental Biology Specialization
BS Chemistry
BS Environmental Studies: Environmental Chemistry Specialization
BS Public Policy
BS Environmental Studies: Environmental Policy Specialization
The interdisciplinary major in public policy (BS) may be combined with the environmental studies specialization in environmental policy by completing the specific course requirements for both majors. Students who combine majors in public policy and environmental studies with a specialization in environmental policy will receive a bachelor of science degree in public policy and a bachelor of science degree in environmental studies. As some public policy requirements and electives count toward both degrees or majors, the actual additional coursework needed to fulfill the requirements of the second degree or major may be as low as 19 credits.
Students may complete more than one specialization within the environmental studies major. To be eligible for a second specialization, a minimum of 20 unique credits must be completed. Unique means the credits have not been used as part of any other environmental studies specialization.
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