The Environmental Science Major

On this page, see what courses you can select for your Environmental Science major.  You may take the full Environmental Science major, or couple a Complementary major in Environmental Science with your primary (full) major.  See below for the requirements of the complementary major: 

FULL MAJOR:

The full major requires a minimum of 51 Credit Hours selected according to the following:

You take ALL courses in the ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORE (29 Credit Hours):

                                                                                           and

You take ONE course satisfying the ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY elective:

You take ONE course satisfying the ENVIRONMENTAL MEANINGS AND VALUES elective:

You take 14 Cr. of  ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ELECTIVES with the following stipulations:

• At least 11 credits at a level of 300 or higher
• one course with substantial field experience (F)
• one course with substantial laboratory experience (L)

You complete a CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE by accumulating 2 Cr. from the following: (each can be repeated):

COMPLEMENTARY  MAJOR:

The complementary major requires a minimum of 32 Credit Hours selected according to the following:

• Take Bio 250 or Geo 260 and 11 additional credits from the Environmental Science Core (see above):
• Fulfill the Environment and Society Elective, as described above
• Fulfill the Environmental Meanings and Values Elective as described above
• Take at least 10 credit hours from the Environmental Science electives as described above; at least 7 of these must be at a level of 300 or higher
• Fulfill the Capstone Experience as described above
  

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSES:

ENVS 320: Environmental Modeling [3 cr.]

Introduction to the fundamental concepts f pollutant fate and transport as related to environmental quality. Topics cover a wide diversity of water quality issues such as conventional pollutants in rivers, eutrophication of lakes, and toxic organic chemicals and heavy metals in surface and groundwaters. Prerequisite: approval of the Chair of Environmental Science orthe instructor of the course. Offered on demand.

ENVS 340: Water Resources Science and Management [3 cr.]

A study of the interaction between science, policy, and management of water resources. Topics include the hydrologic cycle, limnology, wetlands, water quality and water quality indicators, federal and state water regulations and standards, watershed management, water law, and restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Prerequisite: approval of the Chair of Environmental Science. Offered on demand.

ENVS 381: Co-op in Environmental Science [1-2 cr.]

Experience in environmental research or management with a cooperating employer. Prerequisites: Environmental Science major or minor and consent of the Chair of the Environmental Science program.  Midterm and final written reports required.  Credit hours assigned per College of Arts and Sciences guidelines. S/U grade only.  May be repeated for additional credit.

ENVS 386: Internship in Environmental Science [1 cr.]

Summer professional experience in cooperating public or private organizations such as state environmental agencies or environmental consulting firms. Prerequisites: Environmental Science major or minor and consent of the Chair of the Environmental Science program.  Final report required.  S/U grade only. May be repeated for additional credit.

ENVS 495: Independent Research in Environmental Science [1 cr.]

Students work on a project of environmental and scientific merit under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.  Prerequisites: Environmental Science major or minor, consent of the Chair of the Environmental Science program, and consent of the faculty sponsor. Final written report required. S/U grade only.  May be repeated for additional credit.

ENVS 499: Colloquium on Environmental Science and Management [1 cr.]

This course contains (1) presentations by students, faculty, and guest speakers on current topics in environmental research, issues, policy, and management (2) reading and discussion of items of interest in the environmental literature, and (3) occasional workshops on topics such as public communication or technical and grant writing skills.  Specific content will vary based on interests of students and faculty.  S/U grade only.  May be repeated for credit.