Academics

Environmental Studies > Requirements

Environmental Studies Major
(No minor is currently available.)

Mathematics 150 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics) or Economics 180 (Quantitative Methods for Economics and Business); Chemistry 110 (General Chemistry I); Biology 220 (Ecology and Evolution); Environmental Studies 110 (Introduction to Environmental Studies).

One of the following:
Environmental Studies 210 (Environmental Ethics); Environmental Studies 212 (Multicultural Approaches to the Environment); or Environmental Studies 240 (Religious Perspectives on Environmental Issues).

One of the following:
Economics 210 (Microeconomic Theory); or any politics course at the 200 level or above.

Students are strongly encouraged to take the introductory biology sequence that leads to Biology 220 and to take Chemistry 111. Additional chemistry courses are also strongly recommended. These courses are prerequisites for many of the upper-level science courses in which environmental studies majors are often interested, and they are also considered desirable, often even required, for many internships and career opportunities.

Additional requirements:
Four elective courses from the lists of elective courses below; at least one must be from each group, and at least two must be 300-level or above.

The Senior Studies requirement can be satisfied by completing either the Senior Seminar (Environmental Studies 480) of by completing a Senior Thesis.  Under exceptional circumstances, the requirement can be met by the completion of an Independent Research Project with the prior approval of the Program chair.

Students are urged to consult carefully with their advisors to design a program of study that best meets their interests and needs. Students are also encouraged to consider a research project, off-campus program, or internship as a way to further their studies. An internship cannot replace an elective course, but is in many cases an excellent complement to the student’s course work. Students electing to major in environmental studies must choose a member of the Environmental Studies Program Committee for academic advising.

Elective courses in each division include  the following:

Group 1 (Natural Sciences)
Environmental Studies 370, 375, 380, 384

Biology: 221 (Cellular and Molecular Biology); 340 (Animal Phsyiology); 342 (Developmental Biology); 344 (Animal Behavior); 384 (Plant Biology); 389 (Evolution)

Chemistry: 220 (Organic Chemistry I); 221 (Organic Chemistry II); 300 (Biochemistry)

Group 2 (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Art 322 (Sight, Site, Insight)

Environmental Studies 206, 215, 271, 320, 321, 332, 340, 353, 361

History 263 (American Cities)