Environmental Science Major
The environmental science major reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field of environmental science. Solutions to the environmental issues facing our society must be scientifically sound, yet they must also be socially, economically, and politically informed to be successful in promoting effective and lasting change. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in the natural sciences, with courses in biology, chemistry and applied environmental science. Students also take environmentally focused courses in the humanities and social sciences. Students gain hands-on experience in the field of environmental science through a required experiential component, which may be completed through an internship, research project or independent study. Environmental science majors are well prepared to pursue an environmental career or graduate education in the field.
Environmental science majors are required to complete a minimum of 43 credit hours of coursework in biology and chemistry.
Students must complete:
BIOL 110, 111, 221, 225, 325, 340
CHEM 101, 102, 201, 202, 210
Plus one of the following courses:
BIOL 200, 205, 250, 400, 406, 415 or CHEM 404
Students must complete one applied environmental science elective, to be approved by the department chair.
Students must select two of the following interdisciplinary electives: CJUST 320, ECON 312, ENG 388, HIST 203, PHIL 333, PSCI 337, PSCI 348, PSYCH 360, THEOL 341. Alternate environmental-related humanities or social science courses may fulfill this requirement upon approval by the department chair. Students must complete an experiential component consisting of 1-3 credits of an internship (ENV 480), independent study (ENV 411) or research project (ENV 450).
Students are encouraged to select the following sections of courses in the Veritas core curriculum (which do not count towards the major requirements): PHIL 212 From Self to Society: Science and Nature and THEOL 207 Catholic Social Teaching. MATH 247-248 Calculus I and II, and PHYS 101-102 or 201-202 are strongly recommended for students planning to apply for graduate school.
No minor in environmental science is available.
