Environmental Studies
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Minor Requirements — 18 Credits
The environmental studies minor enhances a student’s ability to help find solutions to the growing environmental problems facing humanity caused by increasing human demands on the finite physical resources of the planet. This focus has two branches: 1) increasing the knowledge base about the natural resource and human components of environmental issues, which includes population growth; pollution of land, air and water; urban and rural land use; food production possibilities; existing and alternative energy technologies; wilderness preservation; and species extinction; 2) developing an understanding of the methods and paradigms of various disciplines from the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities and their potential contributions and limitations in the context of environmental problems. Thus, students develop insights and problem-solving skills not as readily available within single disciplines.
The minor is useful for students majoring in disciplines that contribute to the solution of environmental problems. Students acquire a broad perspective of the nature of environmental problems and their possible solutions. The minor facilitates cooperative, interdisciplinary problem-solving in subsequent employment or graduate study.
Employment opportunities are diverse and are shaped by the student's major. Environmental jobs can be laboratory, people, writing or outdoor oriented. Typical employers include resource development companies, environmental consulting firms, government agencies, educational facilities (public and private, traditional and innovative) and environmental groups. There are also self-employment opportunities.
Degree Requirements
Take all of the following courses:
Choose 12 credits from the following courses:
Social Processes (Physical Science majors-choose two of the following courses; Non-Physical Science majors choose one of the following courses):
Physical Resource Science: (Physical Science majors-choose one of the following courses; Non-Physical Science majors choose two of the following courses)
| ENST 225 | Energy and the Environment | 3 |
| ENST 235 | Chemistry and the Environment | 3 |
| ENST 255 | Atmospheric Environment of Humans | 3 |
| ENST 265 | Conservation of Natural Resources | 3 |
| ENST 355 | Introduction to Environmental Health | 3 |
Sensory Perception (choose one of the following courses):
Special Problems
NOTES: At least 12 credits of the minor must be taken as formal coursework and should be completed before enrollment in the internship (if elected) and the senior seminar.
The type of internship or particular elective courses are determined jointly by the coordinator and student in light of the student's goals.