In addition to meeting  General Education requirements and other degree requirements, environmental studies majors must complete the following requirements (77 credits).

In addition to the foundation and synthesis courses, students must choose a concentration in either ecology or policy. Students are encouraged to complete the requirements for a minor in a cognate field, selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. Electives count toward the general degree requirement of 120 total credits. Electives at the 3000- and 4000-level count toward the general degree requirement of 45 upper-level credits.

Required Foundation and Synthesis Courses

The required core of the environmental studies curriculum consists of the following foundation and synthesis courses. Grades earned in these courses must average at least 2.0 (C):

  • ENV 1500/Introduction to Environmental Science
  • BIO 1550/General Biology I
  • BIO 1551/General Biology I Lab
  • BIO 1560/General Biology II
  • BIO 1561/General Biology II Lab
  • ENV 2720/Geology
  • ENV 3025/Biostatistics
  • ENV 3030/Environmental Policy
  • ENV 3120/General Ecology
  • ENV 3150/Geographic Information Systems
    or ENV 3163/Cloud-Based GIS and Remote Sensing Technologies (added Fall 2020)
  • One of the following courses:
    ENV 3045/Environmental Impact Assessment or
    ENV 3300/Environmental Regulations
  • One of the following physical education courses:
    PED 1000/Lifeguard Training or
    PED 1050/Aerial Challenge Course or
    PED 1070/Outdoor Skills or
    PED 1105/Scuba or
    PED 1120/Rock Climbing or
    PED 1310/Personal Defense 
    PED 1460/Kayaking Skills
  • ENV 3880/Environmental Studies Junior Seminar
  • ENV 3995/Internship in Environmental Studies (at least 2 credits)
  • SPJ 4990/Senior Project I
  • SPJ 4991/Senior Project II