ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, B.A.

DESCRIPTION

Environmental Studies majors learn to analyze the problems of urban areas, develop solutions, build in more sustainable ways, explore policy issues, and understand the social context of environmental conflicts. Areas of study include groundwater protection, wetlands, pollution prevention, Geographic Information Systems, toxic land contamination, and the treatment of wastewater. Students learn analytical and management skills applicable to employment in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

WHAT CAREERS CAN THIS MAJOR PREPARE YOU FOR?

Graduates hold sustainability-focused managerial and administrative roles in governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. You may go on to hold positions including: Community Engagement Manager, Communications Officer, Environmental Advocacy, Environmental Health and Safety, Executive Director, GIS Specialist, Grant Manager, Land Use Planning, Planning Manager, Program Specialist, Research Assistant, Recycling Coordinator, Sustainability Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator.

WHAT SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED WITHIN THIS MAJOR?

Skills developed within this major include: analytical skills; problem-solving; critical-thinking; communication; management; and passion for public service.

TRACKS

• Environmental Planning and Sustainable Development
• Environmental Management

HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE

Minimum hours required for the degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 35-36

MAJOR-FIELD REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the major requirements listed below, students must fulfill all College of Urban Affairs Undergraduate Degree requirements, including completion of UST 200, UST 404, UST 405, and UST 490.

Environmental Studies majors are required to take the following courses or their transfer equivalents:

A. REQUIRED COURSES (3 COURSES)

• UST 300 - Economics Of Policy Analysis
• UST 436 - Urban Sustainability
• UST 489 - Advanced Senior Seminar

B. NATURAL SCIENCE COURSES

Students choose two sequences from 1, 2 and 3 below (14-15 credit hours)

SEQUENCE 1

• UST 289 - Physical Geography
• EVS 302 - Biological Features of Ecosystems
• EVS 303 - Biological Features of Ecosystems Laboratory

SEQUENCE 2

• CHM 251 - College Chemistry I
• CHM 256 - College Chemistry Laboratory I
• CHM 255 - Principles of Environmental Chemistry or CHM 407 - Environmental Toxicology 

SEQUENCE 3

• PHY 221 - College Physics I or PHY 241 - University Physics I 
• PHY 470 - Environmental Physics

C. TRACKS

Students choose one track from below and select four courses (12-13 credit hours).

1. ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (13 CREDIT HOURS)

REQUIRED COURSE (4 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 485 - GIS Principles

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE THREE COURSES (9 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 301 - Urban Development
• UST 418 - Urban Planning
• UST 420 - Urban Design Seminar
• UST 440 - Environment & Human Affairs
• UST 441 - Environmental Planning
• UST 442 - Environmental Finance and Capital Budgeting

2. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (12 CREDIT HOURS)

REQUIRED COURSE (3 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 442 - Environmental Finance and Capital Budgeting

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE THREE COURSES (9 CREDIT HOURS)

• UST 410 - Proposal Writing
• UST 425 - Economic Development Finance
• UST 427 - Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
• UST 429 - Fire Prevention Organization & Management
• UST 435 - Environmental Policy & Administration
• UST 440 - Environment & Human Affairs
• UST 459 - Budgeting and Policy Analysis
• UST 485 - GIS Principles

ACCELERATED 4+1 PROGRAM

See the Environmental Studies, Accelerated 4+1 BA/MA page.