ESF Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

The curriculum in the bachelor’s degree program provides a strong foundation in the sciences and introduces students to the interdisciplinary breadth of environmental science through a selection of core courses dealing with the geographical, physical, social and living environments.

• Senior Staff Assistant/Curriculum Coordinator: Ann Moore

Students have the flexibility to satisfy their core requirements by completing courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, geography, engineering, forestry, environmental studies and other areas of study. College-wide general education requirements provide additional opportunities for students to complete courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences to develop a broader context for personal and professional growth.

Required Courses

Lower Division Electives

Course	Codes*	Credits
Free electives		12

General Education Course in two of the following categories: US History & Civic Engagement, The Arts, World History and Global Awareness, World Languages	G	6
General Education Course in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice	G	3

Environmental Science Core

Students must complete one course from each of the following environmental science core areas.

NOTE: Courses used to complete the advanced chemistry, biology, or mathematics requirements, environmental science core requirements, or option requirements may NOT be used to satisfy more than one of these requirements.

The Physical Environment

The Living Environment

The Social Environment

Advanced Courses in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics

An advanced course is one that has at least one prerequisite or is numbered 300 or above. Note: Courses used to complete the advanced courses in chemistry, biology or mathematics requirement may NOT be used to complete the environmental science core or option requirements.

Required Courses

Course	Codes*	Credits
Advanced Courses in science or mathematics		6

 

Option Area

Students must complete at least 15 credits in ONE of the following option areas of study. Courses used to complete the advanced chemistry, biology, or mathematics requirements; environmental science core requirements; or upper division electives may not be used to satisfy the option area requirements.

Environmental Information and Mapping (16 credits required)

Water Science (15 credits required)

Choose TWO courses from the list below:

Watershed Science

NOTE: CIE 657, Ecological Biogeochemistry, is an upper-division Syracuse University course. Access by petition only; confer with your academic advisor.

Health and the Environment (17 credits required)

Required Courses

Elective courses

Earth and Atmospheric Systems Science & Analysis 

(16 credits required)

Required Courses

Choose TWO courses from the list below:

Elective course

NOTE: Upon consultation with option area coordinator, students may select courses beyond those listed above that align with professional goals.

Renewable Energy

(15 credits required)

Required Courses

and a minimum of 3 credits from the following:

Elective Course

Upper Division Electives

Course	Codes*	Credits
Electives		15

 

Students completing the environmental science program must complete 15 credits of upper division electives to satisfy the graduation requirements.  Course taken to satisfy the advanced math/science or option areas cannot also be used to satisfy the upper division elective requirement.

Under the guidance of their academic advisor, students may design their own block of electives. Course selection should support the student’s capstone research, career or advanced academic study goals. Alternatively, this requirement can also be satisfied by choosing an official college minor. A list of minors is available:

Undergraduate Minors

Senior Synthesis

Capstone Courses

NOTE: ENS 498 and ENS 420 are taken for 3 credits

*Students may select from a list of project-oriented coursework to fulfill their senior synthesis requirement. Upon consultation with their advisor, students may also select courses beyond those listed ona case-by-case basis. Acceptable courses include:

• ENS 496 Renewable Energy Capstone Seminar
• ENS 596 International Interdisciplinary Urban Ecosystem Design
• EFB 525 Limnology Practicum (student will need to enroll in an additional credit hour)
• ESF 496 Special Topics classes (must confer with advisor)
• Other

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 126