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    Columbia Campus
   
 
  Mar 26, 2025
 
2009-2010 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin 
  
2009-2010 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Environmental Science, B.S.


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Admission, Progression and Transfer Standards Curriculum
Special Opportunities School of the Environment 
Learning Outcomes College of Arts and Sciences 

Admission, Progression and Transfer Standards


1. Students may apply for admission to the environmental sciences major upon completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours from the University or from an accredited college or university, and with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale.


2. Environmental Science majors may enroll in an environmental science course a maximum of twice to earn the required grade of C or higher. For the purposes of this standard of progression, withdrawal with a W does not constitute enrollment.


3. Any student applying for transfer to the environmental sciences major from other programs within the University, or from accredited colleges and universities, is required to have a minimum grade point average of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale and a minimum of 24 credit hours.


Special Opportunities



The major endorses the use of independent study courses to further students’ intellectual pursuits in alternative ways. Before students may register for an independent study course, they must submit a completed independent study contract which has been approved by the major advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. (No student may apply more than 6 hours of independent study credits toward the degree). A grade-point average of 2.75 or greater is required to enroll in independent study courses.


Learning Outcomes


Students who graduate with a B.S. in Environmental Science should be able to …

  • demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts in environmental sciences.
  • form an appropriate research plan and identify sources of error in the resulting data or analyses when presented with a scientific question or hypothesis.
  • demonstrate strong scientific writing skills.
  • demonstrate strong oral communication skills.

Curriculum


 

1. General Education Requirements (62-71 Hours)


Group I


History (6 Hours)


Two courses at the 100 level, at least one non-U.S history.

Foreign Languages (0-9 Hours)


Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required for all baccalaureate degrees.

Group II


Group III


Group IV


Group V


Pre-Major Requirements (8 Hours)


Environmental Literacy


2. Major Requirements (34-36 Hours)


All majors must complete at least 34-36 hours of approved courses which must include the core requirements of 17-18 hours. Majors must complete 17-18 additional hours in selective courses to bring them to the required 34-36 hours total. Students are required to develop a program of study in consultation with their advisor. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses used to fulfill major requirements. Any modifications to the program of study require the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Required Courses (17-18 Hours)


Selected Courses with Advisor Approval (17-18 Hours)


Students, in consultation with their assigned advisor, must develop a program of study which either provides a broad set environmental science courses or allows students to focus in a defined area. Given the current course offerings and faculty expertise at the University, if a student wanted to focus their elective course work, possible areas include: Natural Systems, Climate and Weather, Water Resources, Energy, or Humans and the Environment. All Students’ selective courses should include at least 2 courses taken at the 500 level, no more than 3 should be from a single discipline and no more than one Research Methods course

Courses Acceptable for Major Credit


Research Methods courses:


Not required, but if selected; only one of these three may be taken for credit towards the major

3. Electives (13-24 Hours)


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