ESF Academic Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree program that prepares students for the analytical pursuits associated with natural systems. In this program, students will be immersed in quantitative and applicational experiences that engage the pressing demands and research questions emerging in environmental science. With the support of experienced faculty, diverse courses, and profound facilities, students will gain access to opportunities for studying the topics that interest them most, such as earth and atmospheric systems, watershed science, environmental information and mapping, renewable energy, and health and the environment. Furthermore, students will critically reflect on the points of synergy and friction that exist between their human experience and natural phenomena to inform the demands of an evolving social, economic, and political landscape.

 

Academic Advisor and Curriculum Coordinator: Dr. Chayton Massic

 

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

Dimensions of the Environment

Students must complete one course from each of the following dimensions of environment.

NOTE: Courses used to satisfy the Dimensions of Environment requirements may NOT be used to also satisfy the Advanced STEM requirements or the Option Area of Focus Requirements.

The Physical Environment

The Living Environment

The Social Environment

Advanced STEM

Students must complete two courses in Advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

NOTE: Courses used to satisfy Advanced STEM requirements may NOT be used to also satisfy the Dimensions of Environment requirements or the Option Area of Focus requirements.

Course	Codes*	Credits
Advanced Courses in STEM		6

 

Option Areas of Focus

Students must complete the requirements of ONE of the following option areas of focus.

NOTE: Courses used to satisfy Option Area of Focus requirements may NOT be used to also satisfy the Dimensions of Environment requirements or the Advanced STEM requirements.

NOTE: With approval from the academic advisor and curriculum coordinator, students may select courses beyond those in the lists below that align with the option area (e.g., special topics courses).

Environmental Information and Mapping (16 credits required)

Required courses

 

Watershed Science (15 credits required)

Required courses

 

Choose two courses from the list below:

Health and the Environment (17 credits required)

Required Courses

Choose three courses from the list below

Earth and Atmospheric Systems Science & Analysis (16 credits required)

Required Courses

 

Choose two courses from the list below:

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

Renewable Energy (15 credits required)

 

Required Courses

 

Choose one of the following:

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

 

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. Courses taken to satisfy the Dimensions of Environment, Advanced STEM, or Option Area requirements cannot also be used to satisfy the upper division elective requirements. With that said, students may design their own block of electives. These upper division elective requirements can also be satisfied by choosing an official college minor. A list of minors is linked here.

Senior Synthesis

Capstone Courses

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

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 126