Academic Bulletin 2023-2024 
    
    Jun 16, 2024  
Academic Bulletin 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science and Sustainability Major


Faculty: Bensel, Bethurem, Bowden, Bradshaw-Wilson, Byrnes, Carbone, Choate, Pallant, Pearce, Swann-Quinn

The Environmental Science and Sustainability major is a program in the Interdisciplinary Studies Area of Study. Environmental Science and Sustainability majors may complete any minor to satisfy the college requirement that the major and minor be in different areas of study.

Environmental Science and Sustainability Major Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a major in Environmental Science and Sustainability are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues.
  • Demonstrate a general understanding of the qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain empirical evidence bearing on evaluation of environmentally sustainable alternatives
  • Demonstrate depth of critical analysis and writing of environmental problems that span popular, ‘gray’ and primary publications.
  • Demonstrate the ability to locate, interpret and apply published research and lessons from successful projects to a focused environmental solution with potential regional stakeholders
  • Design, conduct and present (orally and in writing) independent research that is consistent with the highest standards and practices of research in environmental science 
  • Be well-prepared for meaningful careers and post-graduate education in fields related to environmental science and beyond 

The Environmental Science and Sustainability Major

The Environmental Science and Sustainability Major, consists of 60 credits, leads to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree (students may elect to receive either degree). At graduation, Environmental Science and Sustainability majors must have a GPA of at least 2.0 in the major. The calculation is based on the grades of all required courses for completion of the major. Only the most recent grade is considered for courses that have been repeated. A maximum of 2 courses may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis,  A maximum of 34 transfer credits may be counted toward the major; exceptions must be approved by the department chair.

When appropriate, other courses – for example, new courses or those taken during study away – may be substituted for the section III requirement. All substitutions must be approved by the major advisor, and students are strongly encouraged to discuss any potential course substitutions prior to enrolling in the course.

Requirements:


The Environmental Science major requires 60 credits as follows:

I. Introductory Courses


Take the following two courses (8 credits):

IV. Collaborative and Capstone Projects:


Take the following four courses (16 credits):

V. Systems Integration and Advanced Analysis Concentration:


Select seven additional courses (28 total credits) that are relevant to Environmental Science and Sustainability and that prepare students in a self-designed concentration. At least four of the seven courses must be advanced (300- or 400-level), and at least one of these courses must have an ENVSC course number. Courses must be selected in consultation with a faculty member in Environmental Science and Sustainability by the end of the sophomore year. For most students, this selection process will occur during enrollment in ENVSC 210. Students may change course selection during their tenure at Allegheny, however, the student’s major advisor must approve all schedule changes.

VI. Learning Experience:


Students are strongly encouraged to complete at least one off-campus learning experience (e.g. EL seminar, semester away program, and research or internship experience) that relates to their Systems Integration and Advanced Analysis Concentration. Learning experiences may be credit bearing or non-credit bearing. Students should consult their major advisor when selecting and arranging learning experiences.