Overview of Environmental Studies Programs

Students interested in environmental studies have the opportunity to concentrate or major. Both programs are designed to give students a multi-disciplinary experience that reflects the breadth and depth of the field. Through this experience, students are expected to gain an understanding of the causes, mechanisms and effects of environmental problems by investigating the interplay between natural processes and human civilizations.

Both programs are "student-centered", allowing each student to design the curriculum that best suit his/her interests. The Concentration involves 7 courses whereas the Major requires 12 courses. On campus students may choose from 28 different courses offered by 11 different departments. Students are also encouraged to enrich their curriculum through a "semester away" experience with our partner school, School for Field Studies (SFS). SFS has exciting programs in Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Kenya, and the Turks and Caicos Islands that include integrated coursework and research. Additional interesting courses are available at our consortium schools and in some of the study abroad programs.

Concentration

Students will take a total of 7 courses, including

An introductory course in environmental science. There are many options, such as Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Introduction to Geology, and Environmental Mathematics. Science majors are encouraged to take a specialized course at the upper-level within their major (e.g. a Biology major could take Field Biology, Freshwater Ecology, or Geomorphology) and/or to take an introductory environmental science course outside of their major.
2-3 additional courses in the natural sciences and mathematics
3-4 courses in the social sciences and humanities, including at least one from each. In the social sciences, courses in Environmental Economics and Environmental Policy have pre-requisites that must be met, unless they are waived by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.

The 7 courses must include a minimum of two intermediate/advanced courses (at least one outside the major). Appropriate tutorials, internships, and research projects may be counted as intermediate/advanced courses with approval. Not more than two courses from a student's major may be counted towards the concentration..

Major

Students will take a minimum of 12 courses, including

4 introductory/intermediate science courses, at least 3 with lab. Suitable courses include BIOL 131 & 132, CHEM 101, 221, PHYS 111 & 112, Geology, Geomorphology, and Environmental Mathematics, as well as environmental topics courses in biology or chemistry.
1 environmental economics course (plus pre-requisite)
1 environmental policy course (plus pre-requisite)
2 intermediate/advanced environmental science courses including at least one lab
2 environmental science courses in the humanities
2 additional intermediate/advanced environmental courses in any discipline

Majors in Environmental Studies will generally perform a research project or be involved in a capstone experience that will count as an advanced course(s). In addition, other appropriate tutorials, internships and research projects may also count as intermediate/advanced courses with approval.

Environmental Studies majors and concentrators are encouraged to consider spending one semester off-campus at one of several approved programs that focus on environmental issues. Typically, three courses from such a program can count toward the program requirements.