Environmental Studies, B.A.

Environmental studies programs are crucial in addressing the myriad challenges facing our planet today. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between humans and their environment, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle pressing environmental issues. As the world grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion, there is an urgent need for interdisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between science, policy, and society. Moreover, environmental studies programs are essential for addressing the complex socioeconomic and political dimensions of environmental issues. By examining issues such as environmental justice, resource management, and sustainable development, students gain insights into the underlying social inequalities and power dynamics that shape environmental decision-making processes.

The proposed B.A. and accompanying Minor in Environmental Studies program provides a multidisciplinary approach that integrates insights from fields such as geology, ecology, biology, chemistry, sociology, history, philosophy, and political science to understand the complex interrelationships between humans and the environment. It will empower students to become informed global citizens capable of critically analyzing environmental issues and advocating for sustainable and equitable practices.

Semester 1

FYF 101 - First-Year Foundations Credits: 3
ENG 101 - Composition Credits: 4
EES 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science & Sustainability Credits: 3
EES 103 - Introduction to Environmental Science & Sustainability Laboratory Credits: 1
HST 101 - The Historical Foundations of The Modern World Credits: 3

First Semester Total Credits: 14

Semester 2

GEO 101 - Introduction to Geology Credits: 3
GEO 103 - Introduction to Geology Lab Credits: 1
PS 111 - Introduction to American Government Credits: 3
EES 210 - Global Climate Change Credits: 3
Distribution Requirement Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3

Second Semester Total Credits: 16

Semester 3

CS 115 - Computers and Applications Credits: 3
EES 230 - Ocean Science Credits: 4
PHL 218 - Environmental Ethics & Sustainability Credits: 3
ENG 120 - Introduction to Literature and Culture Credits: 3
Distribution Requirement Credits / Units: 3

Third Semester Total Credits: 16

Semester 4

Program Elective - 3
Distribution Requirement - 3
Free Elective - 9

Fourth Semester Total Credits: 15

Semester 5

PS 226 - Environmental Policy Credits: 3
or EES/PS 398 Environmental Law Credits / Units: 3
GIS 271 - Introduction to GPS & GIS Credits: 3
Distribution Requirement Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
Program Elective Credits / Units: 3

Fifth Semester Total Credits: 15

Semester 6

EES 302 - Science Research and Communication Credits: 2
or PS 261 Political Science Research Methods Credits / Units: 3
EES 304 - Environmental Data Analysis Credits: 3
or MTH 150 Statistics Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
Program Elective Credits / Units: 3

Sixth Semester Total Credits: 14

Semester 7

Students can complete the Senior Projects sequence by taking EES 391 and EES 392 (combined 3 credits) or PS 380 (3 credits).

Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
EES 391 - Senior Projects I Credits: 1
or PS 380 Senior Projects Credits / Units: 3
Free Elective Credits / Units: 3
Program Elective Credits / Units: 3

Seventh Semester Total Credits: 16

Semester 8