Environmental Studies Major/Minor Requirements

The field of environmental studies addresses some of the most critical and complicated issues of our time: those regarding environmental change and the future of humanity. The systems that make up planet Earth are simultaneously comprehensible and complex, predictable and chaotic, robust and fragile. Changes in one part of this system of systems may have far-reaching implications for other parts. As citizens of Earth, we cannot afford to remain ignorant of the global environmental consequences of our daily activities.

A degree in environmental studies prepares students for a wide spectrum of careers, including environmental law, consulting, policy making, technical innovation, wildlife management, teaching, natural resource management, and fundamental research. Students in the major share a common sequence of core courses, beginning with introductions to environmental science and policy through an intermediate level practicum and culminating with the senior capstone. Throughout the curriculum, majors are exposed to different perspectives on and tools for understanding the environment including those from the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. In addition, all students are required to take advanced courses in one department to provide disciplinary depth. Students have considerable choice in their courses and work with their advisor to select courses that fit individual interests and career goals. The field experience requirement ensures that students get out of the classroom to put their academic work into practice.

The minor in environmental studies is designed to complement a major in any field.

Requirements for the Environmental Studies major:

I. The Trunk (core courses)

1. ENST 151: Intro to Environmental Policy
2. One of the following cross-listed introductory courses in the natural sciences:
   • ENST/GEOS 150: Intro to Environmental Science OR
   • ENST/CHEM 112: Energy, Technology, and the Environment OR
   • ENSC/BIOL 135: Ecology, Evolution and Society
3. ENST 251: Environmental Art & Humanities
4. ENST 300: Symposium
5. ENST 650: Senior Seminar
6. STAT 107: Principles of Statistics (or alternative course in statistics/quantitative analysis with advisor’s approval)

II. The Branches (elective courses)

7. One additional natural science course cross-listed in ENST or ENSC

8-11. Four additional courses listed or cross-listed in ENST (or other courses with advisor approval), at least one of which must be in the Arts & Humanities and at least one of which must be in the Social Sciences. Only one of these courses may be at the 100 level and at least one must be at the 300 level or higher.

12. Field Experience. Typically, about 50 hours of work outside the classroom, not necessarily for credit. Students may fulfill their field experience with a summer research position, an Environmental Studies-related internship, an environmentally focused study abroad or off-campus program, extended volunteering with an environmental nonprofit organization, or other opportunities in consultation with their Environmental Studies advisor. After finishing their field experience, students should complete the Field Experience reflection form and submit it to their Environmental Studies advisor and the program chair.

The Environmental Studies Senior Seminar (ENST 650) is the culmination of the Environmental Studies major and serves as the program's Senior Experience. This course is designed to help you develop your emerging perspective and position as environmental studies scholars and practitioners. Weekly meetings will guide you through the planning, research, writing, and presentation of a senior capstone project. Envisioned as a space of support, this seminar will provide structure to the potentially daunting task of completing a research paper and sharing your work with a wider public. Through a collaborative working environment, you will have opportunities to discuss research methods, explore source material, and sharpen your writing and editing skills. You will also have access to professional development resources that will help you envision and pursue your goals after graduation.

1. ENST 151: Intro to Environmental Policy
2. ENST 251: Environmental Art & Humanities
3. ENST 300: Symposium
4. One natural science course cross-listed in ENST or ENSC
5. Two courses from the following list:
   • A course listed directly in ENST
   • A social science course cross-listed in ENST
   • A humanities course cross-listed in ENST
6. Note: only two courses at the 100 level may count for the ENST minor