Environmental Science Major

Goal 1: Students will develop an understanding of the importance of the environment, the extent to which societal actions impact it, the need for sustainability and how sustainability can be achieved.

Outcome 1.1: Students will be able to describe the basic environmental challenges facing the world today, their causes, and possible solutions

Outcome 1.2: Students will be able to describe the scientific, ethical, and moral imperatives behind the need to protect and sustain a healthy environment, and the role of environmental science and environmental scientists in those efforts.

Goal 2: Students will develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing efforts to protect the environment and developing a sustainable society.

Outcome 2.1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the linkages between environmental science and non-natural science disciplines such as business, economics, history, politics, sociology, etc.

Goal 3: Students will develop a strong foundation in the physical and natural sciences, including environmental science, biology, chemistry, and physics.

Outcome 3.1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic biology, including cell biology, genetics, and organismal biology

Outcome 3.2: Students will demonstrate knowledge of general chemistry and physics.

Goal 4: Students will develop the skills needed for a successful career in Environmental Science, including experimental design, surveying of scientific literature, data collection, data reduction and the presentation of scientific conclusions to a range of audiences.

Outcome 4.1: Students will demonstrate competency in operating basic laboratory equipment required to quantify and measure accurately.

Outcome 4.2: Students will apply skills in data reduction including choosing and interpreting appropriate statistical tests.

Outcome 4.3: Students will be able to develop cogent, well structured, and researched written and oral presentations of scientific material.

Goal 5: Students will understand the types of careers available to environmental scientists, create connections with people in the field of environmental science, and receive hands-on experience in the working world.

Outcome 5.1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of environmental science and scientists in societal efforts towards sustainability and complete an internship applying their knowledge to real-world issues alongside environmental professionals.

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas¹:

1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
2. Ethics Intensive
3. Writing Intensive, and
4. Diversity

¹

Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses. 

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

GEP Electives

Six courses

Major Requirements