Environmental Studies (B.A. or B.S.)

Requirements in Environmental Studies (18)

• ENVS 301 - Environmental Science I: Physical Systems Credits: 3
• ENVS 302 - Environmental Science II: Biological Systems Credits: 3
• ENVS 303 - Environment in the Social Sciences and Humanities Credits: 3
• ENVS 304 - Environmental Law, Policy, and Economics Credits: 3
• ENVS 305 - Green Technologies Credits: 3

Requirements outside Environmental Studies (B.A., 9-22; B.S., 15-16)

Emphasis 1. Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration (34-41)

The diversity of life on earth (Biodiversity) represents a resource of unknown potential for improving human welfare that is increasingly put at risk by human activities. Perhaps the most significant challenge of the 21st century is to resolve how to best utilize this resource while providing effective stewardship such that biodiversity resources are maintained for future generations. Meeting this challenge requires a detailed understanding of the processes that promote, maintain, and diminish biodiversity at all levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems, a theme that unites the many subdisciplines within biology. Organisms are intimately connected to their environments and environments vary on multiple spatial and temporal scales. Hence, utilization and stewardship of biodiversity requires understanding its connection to both natural and human-induced environmental change.

Emphasis 2. Energy Studies (33)

This emphasis combines courses in the colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Engineering and Engineering Technology and will introduce students to the world of green technology and energy related issues. The focus of the emphasis includes, but is not limited to, green concepts in power production, processing, manufacturing, ecologically friendly materials, and transportation. Students will also take courses on the humanities and social sciences to better understand the role that energy plays in society.

Emphasis 3. Human Experience (33-34)

This emphasis is designed to give students broad exposure to how the environment is represented and researched in the social sciences and humanities. This includes a wide-ranging examination of environmental issues through time and from diverse perspectives in order to provide students the ability to better understand and critically assess contemporary environmental challenges. An underlying theme is the critical examination of the notion of sustainability as a potential principle underlying and guiding human interaction with the environment. Throughout the emphasis, issues of sustainability as they relate to rural/urban linkages will be emphasized.

Emphasis 4. Environmental Policy (30-40)

This emphasis is designed to give students an understanding of how American law and policy have responded to environmental problems. This includes how environmental law operates and the goals of specific laws, equipping students to evaluate and better understand environmental legal issues they might encounter in their subsequent studies and professional lives.

Emphasis 5. Non-Government Organization (33-34)

This emphasis is linked with the new major in community leadership and civic engagement (CLCE). This emphasis is designed for students who are interested in seeking a career in public affairs in government, voluntary social agencies, and public interest groups that focus on environmental or energy issues.

Emphasis 6. Water (33-37)

Whether it is for agriculture, industry, or personal consumption, current use of fresh water by humans is unsustainable. In many parts of the world, access to clean, safe drinking water is lacking. With the human population predicted to expand for the next 40-50 years demand for water will increase dramatically in the coming decades. It is essential that students pursuing environmental studies are well grounded in the economic, legal, physical, and biological facets of water resources.

Total Hours for a Major in Environmental Studies: 58-81(B.A.); OR 63-75 (B.S.)