Environmental Studies Concentration

Requirements for Concentration in Environmental Studies

The environmental studies concentration is designed for students who have an interest in environmental issues and plan careers in related fields. Due to the varying interests and backgrounds of the students who choose this option, the choice of courses for this concentration is more open than in the environmental science concentration. Participating students may pursue a major in any field. Students who complete this concentration might, for example, enter science journalism or work for environmental advocacy groups.

The following are required for the concentration:

ENVN 102: Introduction to the Environment (1 Unit)
ENVN 220: Economics, Politics, and Environmental Policy (1 Unit)

Two Skills Courses Selected from the Following:

E&M 101: Principles of Microeconomics (1 Unit)
ENGL 203: Advanced Writing: College and Beyond (1 Unit)
MATH 209: An Introduction to Statistics (1 Unit)
PLSC 302: Public Policy, Interest Groups, and the American Welfare State (1 Unit)

No More than One Lab Science Course Selected from the Following:

(this option not available for science majors)

BIOL 195: Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity (1 Unit)
GEOL 101: Introductory Geology (1 Unit)

Note

Two courses that deal explicitly with environmental issues, selected in consultation with the department chair.

One course in the student’s major that is given an environmental focus by completion of an environmental paper, project or activity within the existing structure of the course. Normally these will be at the 200-level or higher. This work will be done in consultation with the department chair and the course instructor.

Experiential requirements:

Attendance at a series of departmental colloquia each semester. In these, students who completed internships the previous semester will report on them, and other items of general interest, such as graduate schools and careers, will be discussed.
An environmental research project, service project or internship. Students should have prior approval of the department chair, and must make a presentation in the colloquium and submit a paper summarizing the experience.