This undergraduate major in Environmental Sciences is designed to meet the interests of students who wish to pursue careers in the environmental field. It provides students with: 1) an interdisciplinary platform from which they can select more specific paths to follow at the graduate level, and 2)technical skills that might allow them to obtain entry level positions with organizations dealing directly or indirectly with environmental issues. This major focuses on the natural sciences while including course work in the social sciences and in analytical/communication skills. The program emphasizes the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Geography, and Physics. Additional course work in Computer Science, Composition, Economics, Political Science, Philosophy, Speech, and Statisticsmay be required, depending on the concentration selected by the student.

The course of study for this program consists of four sections: Core, Concentrations, Capstone, and Related Course Work. The Core is composed of two introductory courses, which are required of all majors. One course involves scientific-environmental concepts, while the other introduces major environmental issues and problems.

Each student must select one area of concentration from the following: Environmental Biology (28 s.h.), Environmental Earth Sciences (28 s.h.) or Environmental Planning (27 s.h.). The Concentrations provide the depth, or concentrated knowledge base, necessary for the major.The specific requirements for the Environmental Planning Concentration are listed below along with the overall program requirements. This concentration, which is handled through the Geography Department, introduces students to land use and regional planning issues.

The Capstone Experience consists of either a four semester hour internship, thesis or seminar. This combination of opportunities provides a student with the possibility of receiving work experience, research and writing experience, or argumentation and oral presentation experience. The Capstone enhances the depth of understanding achieved by students from the earlier sections of the program.

The Related Course Work reflects the need of the environmentalist for a broad, general understanding of the ways in which the ecosystem works. Introductory courses from the sciences, geography and statistics comprise this area of the student’s experience.