Course Planning

Environmental Studies Major - Planning

Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this overview of the Academic Program and refer to the Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.

Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year. The following is a typical plan for this 12 course major.  This is not the only way forward.  Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path. 

First Year

Intro. to Enviro. Studies (EVST 110)

If necessary, Precalculus (MATH 120)

Possibly 1-3 other courses in the major with special consideration for:

  • Environmental Biology (BIOL 104)
  • Chemistry of the Environment (CHEM 101)
Sophomore

Microeconomic Theory (ECON 200)

A Methods Elective

A Policy Elective

Possibly 1-2 major courses including:

A Socio-cultural Elective

A Philosophy Elective

Or if not previously completed:

  • Environmental Biology w/Lab (BIOL 104)
  • Chemistry of the Environment (CHEM 101)
Summer

EVST internship – see planning notes (below) and the Catalog for details.

Junior

Enviro. Studies Colloquium (EVST 310)

Environmental Economics (ECON 340)

1-3 major courses including:

A Socio-cultural Elective

A Philosophy Elective

Or if not previously completed:

  • A Methods Elective
  • Environmental Biology w/Lab (BIOL 104)
  • Chemistry of the Environment (CHEM 101)
Summer

If not previously completed: EVST internship – see planning notes (below) and the Catalog for details.

Senior

Senior Seminar (EVST 497, fall)

Remaining courses necessary to complete the major

Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year.  The following is a typical plan to complete this 12 course major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department. 

First Year

-

Sophomore

Intro to Enviro. Studies (EVST 110)

Precalculus (MATH 120) if necessary

One of Environmental Biology (BIOL 104) or Chemistry of the Environment (CHEM 101)

1-3 other courses in the major with special consideration for Microeconomic Theory (ECON 200) if mathematics background is sufficient, a Methods Elective, or a Policy Elective.

Summer

EVST internship – see planning notes (below) and the Catalog for details.

Junior

Enviro. Studies Colloquium (EVST 310)

Environmental Economics (ECON 340) if Microeconomic Theory (ECON 200) has been completed, if not take Microeconomic Theory (ECON 200).

2-4 other major courses including:

A Socio-cultural Elective

A Philosophy Elective

Or if not previously completed:

  • Methods Elective
  • Policy Elective
  • Environmental Biology w/Lab (BIOL 104)
  • Chemistry of the Environment (CHEM 101)
Summer

If not previously completed: EVST internship – see planning notes (below) and the Catalog for details.

Senior

Senior Seminar (EVST 497, fall)

Remaining courses necessary to complete the major

Capstone:   The Environmental Studies Capstone consists of either a collaborative community-based project or a written research thesis followed by an oral presentation. 

Planning Recommendations:

The Environmental Studies Major is broad and designed to allow students to add a minor or a second major to develop depth in their preferred environmental focus.

  • With your advisor, ensure that the options within the methods electives and the internship align with your preferred focus.

Students should take Environmental Studies Colloquium (EVST 310) in the junior year. Ideally, students should complete the three core courses of Microeconomic Theory (ECON 200), the policy elective, and the methods elective in preparation for the Environmental Studies Colloquium (EVST 310). 

The Environmental Studies Internship:

  • Must be completed through Career Services and the Odyssey Office (PL code);
  • Must be completed prior to the start of the senior year;
  • Can be completed during the summer or during the academic year; and
  • Can be taken as a course credit or just as a credit towards graduation requirements.