The BA in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major intended to prepare students for a wide variety of career options. The variety of courses expose the students to different world views and to consider different ethical arguments. Students will have a broad understanding of the science behind climate change and the environment, allowing them to develop informed solutions. All courses used to fulfill requirements for the Environmental Studies major must be a grade of C or higher.
Summary of Degree Requirements
All students take a series of core courses (41-43 credits). These courses give the students a solid foundation in the basic science needed to understand environmental issues. The core also includes computer, communication, and writing and literature courses, providing students with skills needed for environmental careers. Additionally, all students will complete an internship, giving them hands-on experience in their chosen specialty.
- A total of 120 credits are required to complete the B.A. degree in Environmental Studies. These credits consist of General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses, Environmental Studies core courses, courses specific to the student’s chosen concentration, and free electives.
- Environmental Studies majors may repeat a required course no more than three times.
Tracks
Students will choose between two tracks–a science track and a general track. In total, 65 credits are required for the Environmental Studies major.
Science Track
This track requires additional upper-level courses (16 credits), including Field Ecology which will give the students in-the-field experience with ecological issues. This track also requires Research Seminar I and II, in which students learn to develop, conduct, and present scientific research. The students will have 6-8 credits remaining to use for major electives. The science track prepares students for graduate school, research, or technical jobs.
General Track
Working closely with their advisor, this track provides the student the opportunity to tailor their major to their academic interests. The requirements guide the student to spread their choices (22-24 credits) over 200 and 300 level courses offered through various programs. The general track prepares students for jobs in consulting, activism, lobbying, education, policy, and other fields.