Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

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This degree is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in environmental policy and analysis as well as environment management dealing with a range of environmental issues to include stewardship of natural resources, pollution management, fish and wildlife management, and hazardous materials. The program requires course work in both the natural and social sciences, with a particular focus on the complex relationship among science, management, and policy. The ultimate purpose of the degree program is to provide students with a scientific understanding of ecological and social systems, which then can be applied in a policy or management context.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates.  With reference to each of the respective areas of environmental studies, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of political, legal, economic, and social dynamics associated with the environment and management of the environment.
  • Examine environmental compliance in terms of moral, political, and economic factors.
  • Analyze environmental issues within their economic, historical, and theoretical context.
  • Assess an environmental perspective that includes alternative approaches to economic development and incorporates a code of responsibility.
  • Quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the consequences of ecological disasters on public health, productivity, and social and economic welfare.
Degree Program Requirements
Required Course - 3 semester hours

General Education Requirements (38 semester hours)
English - 6 semester hours
Social Sciences - 6 semester hours
Science - 8 semester hours including the required 1 hour labs
Mathematics - 3 semester hours
History - 6 semester hours
Humanities - 3 semester hours
Literature - 3 semester hours
All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing
Political Science - 3 semester hours
Core Courses (33 semester hours including lab requirements) 

GENERAL CONCENTRATION

Select four (4) courses from the courses listed below.

Concentration in Environmental Technology and Management

Objectives

  • Define the theoretical foundation of the disciplines of environmental hazard mitigation and pollution management
  • Explain the regulatory, policy, and political influences on environmental management and sustainability
  • Develop management strategies that incorporate environmental compliance standards and achieve organizational missions
  • Describe the current and emerging technologies in the treatment, remediation, and disposal of environmental contaminants
  • Evaluate strategies and assess mitigation plans for environmental contaminants
  • Assess the consequences of the ecological impacts on public health and safety, and social and economic welfare

Concentration Requirements  

select 4 courses from the following:

Concentration in Regional and Community Environmental Planning

Objectives.

  • Identify critical issues in landscape level planning and development that affect regional and local environmental planners and assess their implications on the environment and quality of life for the citizenry
  • Assess the resource needs (energy, water resources, sustainability, greenspace, etc.) of a population and develop strategies for meeting them
  • Describe innovative approaches, alternative actions, and strategic planning efforts needed to resolve complex, landscape-level land use planning problems and meet the needs of multiple and varied stakeholders
  • Assess leading trends and challenges in the fields of Local and Regional Planning, Landscape-level Planning, and Environmental Assessment and Impact
  • Describe current and emerging technologies in sustainable land use planning and energy development and discuss appropriate applications

Concentration Requirements

select 4 courses from the following:

Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management

Objectives

  • Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of the management of fish and wildlife resources
  • Explain the impact of human activities on the survival and management of fish and wildlife populations
  • Identify the federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the management of fish and wildlife resources
  • List the competencies needed to become a professional fish or wildlife manager
  • Compare the effectiveness of fish and wildlife management techniques and methods
  • Explain the regulations, policies, and politics that influence the management of fish and wildlife in the U.S.

Concentration Requirements

select 4 courses from the following:

Final Program Requirements (3 semester hours)
  • EVSP499 - Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies
    Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all core and major courses prior to enrollment.
Electives (33 semester hours)

Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill core or major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Total = 122 semester credits

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