Environmental Studies
The environmental studies major provides undergraduates with an interdisciplinary program in which to study the interrelationships of humans and their environment and the practical problems resulting from these relationships. In addition to taking the core courses required of all majors, an environmental studies major completes a specialization developing a cross-disciplinary perspective, with a problem-oriented focus. Within the framework of the environmental studies major, a student may obtain the interdisciplinary background prerequisite for such professional fields as planning, policy analysis, ecosystem management, environmental education and environmental analysis.
Because of the diverse background required of students majoring in environmental studies, prospective majors must plan their academic program carefully. The environmental studies committee recommends that majors complete the core requirements (see below) for the environmental studies major as early as possible. At the time students declare their intention to major in environmental studies they should, in consultation with their advisers, decide on the courses making up their specialization and plan their academic program.
Environmental Studies Major
The environmental studies major leads to either a BA or BS degree. There are three parts to each degree program: 1) a set of five core courses; 2) two problem-oriented courses; and 3) a specialization.
BA Degree Program
Courses required for the BA degree include:
five core courses:
ENVI 101 and 201
CHEM 101, 107 or 111
ECON 160
ENVI 215 or 149
two problem-oriented courses, usually taken in the senior year, selected from ENVI 397, 413, 415, 491 or 495, and 498;
a specialization made up of eight courses. Approved specializations include:
ecosystems
environmental chemistry
Earth sciences and natural resources
public policy, administration and law
environmental planning
environmental economics
ecological anthropology
Students may also design their own specialization through consultation with their adviser.
BS Degree Program
Courses required for the BS degree include:
five core courses:
ENVI 101 and 201
CHEM 107 or 111
ECON 160
ENVI 215 or 149
two problem-oriented courses, usually taken in the senior year, selected from ENVI 397, 413, 415, 491 or 495 and 498;
a specialization made up of 11 courses. Approved specializations include:
ecosystems
Earth science and natural resources
environmental chemistry
A list of the specific course requirements for each specialization is available in the Geological Sciences and Environmental Studies Department Office. Courses approved for environmental studies specializations are drawn from the offerings of anthropology, biological sciences, chemistry, economics, geography, geological sciences, political science and others.
Except for internships and teaching practica, courses taken Pass/Fail may not be counted toward the major. A grade of D is not considered satisfactory for courses applied to the major.
ENVI 101 and 201 may be used to fulfill the Harpur College Distribution science requirement.
Honors Program in Environmental Studies
Graduation with honors in environmental studies is granted for superior independent work, usually in the form of an honors thesis. To qualify, students must have demonstrated excellence in coursework and must receive the approval of a faculty member to register for ENVI 498 and ENVI 499. Normally, honors students enroll in ENVI 498 in their next-to-last semester and in ENVI 499 in their last semester, during which they complete the thesis. The students work must be submitted to a thesis committee consisting of the supervising professor and at least one other faculty member associated with the environmental studies program.