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Environmental Studies Single Major B.A. Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.A. in Environmental Studies should be able to:

  • 1. Identify the societal (social, political, economic, cultural and ethical) agents and structures that contribute  to environmental change.  (Social Science Competency)
  • 2. Describe the structure and functioning of major physical and ecological components of the earth’s systems. (Natural Science Competency)
  • 3. Access and analyze a complex literature addressing specific topics in environmental studies, and evaluate the usefulness and limitations of individual sources of information.  (Analytic thinking)
  • 4. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. (Communication skills)

The following information is from the 2021-2022 catalog requirements, effective Fall 2021. For prior catalog years, please visit this website. 

Program Information

In addition to comprehensive classroom-based learning, a number of Environmental Studies students engage in field studies, internships, independent research, study abroad, and volunteer work.  Our students are highly encouraged to seek out these opportunities, which are an excellent supplement to rigorous traditional courses, and are a great way to prepare for a career in environmental work or graduate school.

The ENVS major has five focus areas: Agroecology & Sustainable Agriculture; Conservation Science & Natural History; Environmental Education & Sustainability; Environmental Policy; Political Economy (more info here).

Students majoring in the Environmental Studies major can choose one of three concentrations (Conservation Science and Policy, Global Environmental Justice, and Geographic Information Systems). The concentrations are intended to provide students with courses that will provide specific tools within the field of study. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript as an indication that the curriculum chosen has followed an academic path that constitutes a concentration. Concentrations are not mandatory; students can major in ENVS without a concentration. 

Course Requirements

ENVS B.A. Major Worksheet (PDF)

The following information is from the 2022-2023 catalog requirements. For prior catalog years, please visit this website.

Lower Division Course Requirements (6 courses)

  • ENVS 23 The Physical & Chemical Environment (Spring only) or CHEM 1A General Chemistry
  • ENVS 24 General Ecology (Fall only) or BIOE 20C Ecology & Evolution
  • ENVS 25 Environmental Policy & Economics (Winter and Summer only)
  • MATH 3 Precalculus or STAT 3 Precalculus for the Social Sciences or ALEKS MPE 300+ or AP CALC 3+
  • STAT 7/L Statistical Methods for the Biological, Environmental, and Health Sciences
  • One of the following (SOCY/ANTH/PHIL): SOCY 1, 10, 15, ANTH 2, PHIL 22, 24, 28, 80G

Upper division Course Requirements (9 Courses)

  • ENVS 100/L Ecology and Society (Winter and Spring only)
    • prerequisites: ENVS 23, ENVS 24, ENVS 25, STAT7/L, SOCY/ANTH/PHIL, and WRIT 2
  • 1 ENVS upper division based in the Social Sciences: ENVS 110, 130B, 140, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 158, 165, 172, 173, 176
  • 1 ENVS upper division based in the Natural Sciences: ENVS 104A/L, 106A, 107, 108, 109, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125, 129, 130A, 130C, 131, 133, 135, 138, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170
  • 5 ENVS upper divisions of your choice completed in the following options: 

Senior Exit Requirement (Choose 1 out of the 5 options below)