Admin
08 Jun 2026 13:20
admin
#general
Environmental Studies Major Checklist
Welcome to the Environmental Studies Major Checklist! Use this resource to track your progress through the major. The Environmental Studies program is designed to provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge of environmental issues from scientific, social, and humanistic perspectives.
Note: Please consult with your academic advisor regularly to ensure you're meeting all degree requirements and to discuss any specializations or areas of interest within the field.
Core Requirements (45 credits)
Foundational Courses (12 credits)
- ENVS 101: Introduction to Environmental Studies (3 credits)
- ENVS 102: Environmental Science and Policy (3 credits)
- ENVS 150: Statistics for Environmental Research (3 credits)
- ENVS 200: Environmental Ethics and Philosophy (3 credits)
Natural Sciences (9 credits)
- BIOL 120: Ecology (3 credits) OR BIOL 130: Conservation Biology
- CHEM 105: Environmental Chemistry (3 credits) OR CHEM 101: General Chemistry I
- GEOL 110: Physical Geology (3 credits) OR GEOL 115: Climate Science
Social Sciences (9 credits)
- ECON 215: Environmental Economics (3 credits)
- POLS 220: Environmental Politics and Policy (3 credits)
- SOCI 230: Environmental Sociology (3 credits) OR ANTH 225: Humans and the Environment
Humanities (6 credits)
- ENGL 275: Literature and the Environment (3 credits)
- HIST 240: Environmental History (3 credits) OR PHIL 250: Environmental Ethics
Quantitative and Technical Skills (6 credits)
- ENVS 250: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 credits)
- DATA 200: Introduction to Data Science (3 credits) OR MATH 115: Environmental Modeling
Methods and Analysis (3 credits)
- ENVS 300: Environmental Research Methods (3 credits)
Elective Courses (12 credits)
Select four courses (3 credits each) from the following:
- ENVS 310: Climate Change Mitigation
- ENVS 315: Sustainable Development
- ENVS 320: Urban Ecology
- ENVS 325: Environmental Law
- ENVS 330: Water Resources Management
- ENVS 335: Renewable Energy Systems
- ENVS 340: Environmental Justice
- ENVS 345: Conservation Biology and Policy
- ENVS 350: Environmental Toxicology
- ENVS 360: Global Food Systems
- ENVS 370: Environmental Communication
- ENVS 380: Sustainable Business Practices
- ENVS 390: Special Topics (when applicable)
Experiential Learning (6 credits)
Field Experience (3 credits)
- ENVS 400: Field Course in Environmental Studies (3 credits) OR
- Study Abroad Program with Environmental Focus (3 credits)
Internship (3 credits)
- ENVS 410: Environmental Internship (3 credits)
Internship Note: Internships must be approved by the department and typically require a minimum of 120 hours of work over a semester or summer, along with a reflective paper or final presentation.
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
- ENVS 495: Senior Seminar (3 credits) OR
- ENVS 497: Honors Thesis (for honors students) OR
- ENVS 499: Independent Research Project (with department approval)
Environmental Studies Major Suggested Timeline
First Year
- ENVS 101: Introduction to Environmental Studies
- ENVS 102: Environmental Science and Policy
- BIOL 120: Ecology OR other Natural Sciences elective
- Start general education requirements
Sophomore Year
- ENVS 150: Statistics for Environmental Research
- ENVS 200: Environmental Ethics and Philosophy
- Remaining Natural Sciences courses
- Begin Social Sciences courses
- Continue general education requirements
Junior Year
- ENVS 250: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Complete Social Sciences requirements
- ENVS 300: Environmental Research Methods
- Begin Environmental Studies electives
- Plan for internship experience
Senior Year
- Complete Environmental Studies electives
- ENVS 400: Field Course OR Study Abroad experience
- ENVS 410: Environmental Internship
- ENVS 495: Senior Seminar (or other capstone)
Concentration Options
Environmental Studies majors may choose to complete one of the following concentrations (optional, but highly recommended for focused career preparation):
Sustainability and Resource Management
- ENVS 330: Water Resources Management
- ENVS 380: Sustainable Business Practices
Conservation and Biodiversity
- ENVS 345: Conservation Biology and Policy
- ENVS 310: Climate Change Mitigation
Environmental Policy and Justice
- ENVS 325: Environmental Law
- POLS 340: International Environmental Policy
Concentration Note: If choosing to complete a concentration, these courses count toward your elective requirements within the major.
Additional Requirements
Cumulative GPA Requirement
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 overall GPA
Departmental Activities
- Participate in at least one Environmental Studies club or organization
Career Preparation Resources
For Environmental Studies Majors
- Create a professional resume highlighting environmental coursework and experiences
- Set up LinkedIn profile and join Environmental Studies alumni group
- Research graduate programs if considering advanced degree
Graduate School Preparation (Optional)
Students planning to pursue graduate studies in Environmental Studies or related fields should consider:
- Completing Independent Research (ENVS 499)
- Developing relationships with faculty for letters of recommendation
- Researching potential graduate programs during junior year
Important Dates:
- March 1st: Priority deadline for declaring Environmental Studies as a major
- October 15th: Deadline for Capstone project proposals
- November 1st: Internship placement applications due for spring semester
- April 1st: Senior Capstone presentations
Faculty Contacts
- Dr. Amanda Green, Department Chair (agreen@university.edu)
- Prof. Michael Brown, Academic Advisor (mbrown@university.edu)
- Dr. Sarah Johnson, Internship Coordinator (sjohnson@university.edu)
- Dr. David Wilson, Capstone Coordinator (dwilson@university.edu)
Keep this checklist updated and share it with your academic advisor during meetings. Environmental Studies is an evolving field, and requirements may change, so stay informed about any updates to the major requirements.
Download Print Version Schedule Advisor Meeting
Reference Files For Environmental Studies Major Checklist
Screenshoot
File Name
environmental_studies__entering_major_fall___2015_and_later.pdf
File Size
0.38 MB
File Type
PDF
File Site
Description
This file is just a reference file for Environmental Studies Major Checklist. Does not guarantee that the specific things you want are included in it.
Direct download (wait 10 seconds)
Bachelor Of Arts In Philippine Studies Major In Filipino In Mass Media and Reference File...
Admin
2026-06-09 01:58:05
Cookie Consent
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. By clicking 'Accept all cookies', you agree to the use of these cookies. You can manage your preferences or learn more in our [Privacy Policy/Cookie Policy.