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  Aug 25, 2025
 
2013-2014 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin 
  
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2013-2014 Undergraduate Studies Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Environmental Science, B.S.

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

Admission, Progression and Transfer Standards

1. Any student applying for transfer to the environmental science 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.


2. Environmental Science majors may enroll in an environmental science course a maximum of two times 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.

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 will demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts in environmental sciences.
  • When presented with a scientific question or hypothesis, students will be able to form an appropriate research plan and identify sources of error in the resulting data or analyses.
  • Students will demonstrate strong analytical writing skills.
  • Students will demonstrate strong oral communication skills.

Curriculum (128 Hours)

 

1. General Education Requirements (62-71 Hours)

Group I

Writing (6 Hours)

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

Mathematics/Statistics (14 Hours)

Group III

Humanities (6 Hours)

Fine Arts (3 Hours)

Ethics (3 Hours)

Group IV

Social Sciences (9 Hours)

Select one of the following:

Select one of the following:

Group V

Laboratory Sciences

1. (8 Hours)

2. (16 Hours)

Select one of the following:

Select from the following:

or

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)

Required of all majors (7 Hours)

Select 3 of the following 4 courses (10-11 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

From the Environment and Sustainability Program:

From the Life Sciences:

From the Earth and Marine Sciences:

From the Geographical Sciences:

From Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering:

From the Health Sciences:

Research Methods courses:

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

3. Electives for B.S. Degrees

No courses of a remedial, developmental, skill-acquiring, or vocational nature may apply as credit toward degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences allows the use of the Pass-Fail option on elective courses. Further clarification of inapplicable courses can be obtained from the College of Arts and Sciences.

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