Environmental Studies Major (EVS)

This interdisciplinary program provides a foundation in environmental studies within the framework of a liberal arts education.

Because of the broad spectrum of environmental fields, students are provided with flexibility in selecting a course of study that reflects their specific area(s) of interest (i.e., analytical laboratory studies, field-oriented biology, political science, or some combination). All students in the program are provided with a common foundation (the “Environmental Studies Core”) and the opportunity to focus their studies in either the Science or Policy Track. This B.S. degree program (57 to 60 hours) prepares students for future study and employment leading to several possible career paths in government, industry, research, and academia. Independent studies and internships are encouraged.

Graduates of the environmental studies program will demonstrate:

• an understanding of the place environmental studies holds in society and preparedness to successfully pursue a career path;
• an understanding of the scientific method, including construction of hypotheses, data collection and analysis, and the formulation of conclusions;
• an understanding of the basic concepts of environmental studies, including: the unity and diversity of life, principles of ecology, processes of evolution, and an understanding of how humans influence and are influenced by their environment;
• an ability to understand and critique primary scientific literature and communicate effectively to peers in written and verbal form.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (BS)

Program Contact: Professor Rick Kopp

No minor required.

Students majoring in Environmental Science must choose one track.