Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies major provides students with the interdisciplinary background to think critically about, analyze, and understand environmental issues facing today’s society. This major prepares students for careers in government, non-profit conservation, consulting, as well as for graduate degree programs. Since environmental issues result from interactions among ecological, socioeconomic, and institutional factors, students complete a set of courses that introduce students to concepts in the environmental sciences, economics, and political science. Students then choose a coherent set of courses from advanced offerings in a variety of disciplines that reflects their individual interests and career goals. Additionally, students must complete an internship or individual research project or thesis that complements their program.

CORE REQUIREMENTS (32+ CREDITS)

The Core Foundation requirement for Quantitative Reasoning (MAT), the International Engagement, and the Social Responsibility requirement may be fulfilled through courses in the major.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (45 CREDITS)

Major Foundation Courses (21 Credits)

Upper-level Major Requirements (9 Credits)

Upper-level Major Electives (9 Credits)

Students must select three upper-level courses with environmental themes. No more than two courses can be from the same discipline. Specific course selection must first be approved by student’s academic advisor and Department Head. Students in certain General Elective courses may need to meet with the course instructor at the start of the semester to focus class assignments on environmental issues.  The student’s academic advisor can provide the student with this information. Documentation of approved course selections must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Sample relevant courses include:

Internship/Research Requirement (3 Credits)

Choose one of the following options:

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

GENERAL ELECTIVES (48 CREDITS)

Complete courses from any academic discipline

* Pre-requisites may be required for courses outside of the major.

Note: All Bachelor of Arts Degrees require a total of 125 credits consisting of Core, Major, and General Elective courses and requirements.  Credits required in the Core and General Electives part of the degree plan may vary depending on Core course selections.