Environmental Science (BA/BS)

Work alongside world-class scholars and researchers, develop concrete skills and analytical abilities, and gain real-world experience with the environmental science major. You will learn from an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences—including biology, geology, chemistry, physical geography, and data analysis—and gain an understanding of how social sciences, policy, humanities, and design inform our approaches to solving environmental issues.

The environmental science major is flexible, allowing you to tailor coursework to meet your specific educational and career goals. We also prioritize practical learning experiences where you will link theory to practice and build transferable skills through internships, research, and community involvement. This major is designed for students who want to focus on careers in fields such as conservation biology; pollution prevention and abatement; climate and the atmosphere; water resources;  and ecosystem protection, restoration, and management.

Program's Admission Requirements

Please visit the program's website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Articulate the contributions from the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities in understanding and addressing environmental issues.
• Discuss major root causes of environmental problems and avenues for addressing them.
• Discuss several key concepts within the field of environmental sciences (e.g., biodiversity and biological conservation, climate change, watershed health, water and nutrient cycles, energy flows), drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills, including the ability to: a) Critically analyze environmental information, data and problems; b) Interpret scientific communication, including writing, figures, and tables; c) Synthesize diverse information sources; d) Communicate effectively through written and oral communication.

The Environmental Science major is customizable, allowing students to tailor their coursework to meet specific education and career goals. Students can concentrate on a focal area of their choosing and select from a variety of courses across scientific and other disciplines. The major requires a minimum of 112 credits including 60 upper-division credits. Except for ENVS 401-409, all courses applied to the major or minor must be graded, and a C- or better must be earned in all graded courses. As many as four upper-division courses may be used to fulfill the requirements of another major. Major requirements sheets containing detailed information about specific courses are available on the Enviornmental Studies website, in the Environmental Studies office, or by visiting an advisor in Tykeson Hall. 

Environmental Science Major Requirements

The major requires a minimum of 112 credits including 60 upper-division credits. Upper-division credits may be earned through coursework or through a combination of coursework and an honors thesis. Sample course plans are available on the program’s website. Major requirements sheets containing detailed information about specific courses that meet the major requirements are available in the program office, from an environmental science advisor, or on the program website.

Courses used to fulfill the major requirements must be taken for letter grade and passed with a grade of C- or better.

Environmental Studies courses 401, 403, 404, 406, 408, and 409 with a mark of Pass (P or P*) can count toward the major requirements.

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Five courses total are required for nonfocal area.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science (Life Science Focus)

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Life Science Focus)