Faculty: Bensel (Chair), Bethurem, Bowden, Bradshaw-Wilson, Byrnes, Carbone, Geyer, Griffin, Krone, Pearce, Shaffer
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.