Upon declaring an environmental studies major, students choose one of two concentrations: environmental science (ESCI) or environment and society (ESOC). Students complete all required courses within their chosen concentration as well as a set of required courses designed to cultivate breadth. All environmental studies students complete the environmental studies core curriculum consisting of introductory, mid-level, and capstone courses. At the introductory level, all students (majors and minors) take courses spanning the natural and social sciences, in addition to statistics. Introductory courses in environmental science and environmental studies are designed to introduce students to the biological, physical, and chemical science of environmental change, as well as the human dimensions (social/political/cultural/economic) of such change.
Students choosing the ESOC concentration begin coursework in economics, political science, and/or anthropology sociology, while students choosing the ESCI concentration complete an introductory biology and chemistry sequence.
At the 200 level, all environmental studies majors complete the core course Biosphere and Society, which draws from and integrates a range of disciplines to help students master a set of key concepts and analytical methods fundamental to environmental studies. In the capstone course, students actively integrate the approaches and methodologies they have practiced and experimented with at the 100 and 200 levels toward further research on particular problem, issue, or theme of their choosing, based on their research and future career interests. Service-learning opportunities are embedded within the core courses, as well as within several elective courses. Completing an internship is encouraged, but not required.
Please note that as of the printing of this catalogue, some courses in the program had not received final approval. Check the Environmental Studies Program website or the myGoucher Course Catalog for updated course numbers.
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