Note
The environmental science major reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field of environmental science. Solutions to the environmental issues facing our society must be scientifically sound, yet they must also be socially, economically and politically informed to be successful in promoting effective and lasting change. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in the natural sciences, with courses in biology, chemistry, and applied environmental science. Students also take environmentally focused courses in the humanities and social sciences. Students gain hands-on experience in the field of environmental science through a required experiential component, which may be completed through an internship, research project or independent study. Environmental science majors are well prepared to pursue an environmental career or graduate education in the field.
Alternate environmental-related humanities or social sciences courses may fulfill this requirement upon approval by the department chair.
Students must complete an experiential component consisting of 1-3 credits of BIOL 480 Internship, BIOL 398 Independent Study or BIOL 450 Undergraduate Research Experience.
Students planning to apply for graduate school are encouraged to take MATH 247 Calculus I (4) and PHYS 101 College Physics I (4) - PHYS 102 College Physics II (4) or PHYS 201 General Physics I (4) - PHYS 202 General Physics II (4). Students planning to apply to a biology-based graduate program are encouraged to take BIOL 221 Genetics (4).
Students planning to pursue a double major with Biology should take BIOL 221 Genetics.
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students must also earn a major GPA of 2.0, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.