Sep 18, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Environmental Studies (B.A.)

Location(s): Main Campus


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Program Summary

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Environmental Studies program provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the physical, social, and political aspects of Earth systems and the skills required to solve contemporary issues related to the natural environment. The Environmental Studies program integrates both theory and practice from the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences to investigate complex environmental issues, while providing the flexibility for students to focus on their interests. The Environmental Studies program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical and social sciences through its systematic study of the interconnections between people, places, and environments that are used to support decision-making across a wide range of disciplines. This interdisciplinary knowledge that complements a valuable set of skills will prepare graduates to succeed in a wide variety of career paths in public and private sectors. The program also provides students a foundation upon which to pursue advanced education in Environmental Studies or a closely related field of study.

Program Information

  • All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the major.
  • Some of the requirements fulfilled at other institutions may transfer to SUU and count toward the major with the approval of the Department Chair.
  • A minimum of 18 credit hours, including the capstone project, must be completed at SUU.
  • Some courses are taught every other year or as needed. Consult your Student Success Advisor for scheduling help.
  • Courses may not be repeated more than two (2) times without instructor approval.
  • Credits over 10 years old may not be accepted for use in the major.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree Requirement (16 Credits**)


  • Bachelor of Arts Degree - Foreign Language requirement 16 Credits

** Note: One semester of a foreign language may also fulfill the General Education  Humanities requirement. The 16 credits may be fulfilled by taking four semesters of a foreign language or by testing out of a language and purchasing the credits. These credits are typically counted in the degree total at the bottom of the page. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

Environmental Studies Curriculum (62-63 Credits)


Environmental Studies Foundation (3-4 Credits)


Complete one of the following lecture/lab pairs. Please note that ENVS 1000 does not have an associated lab but will fulfill this requirement. All courses can be used to fulfill the General Education Physical Sciences requirement:

Environmental Studies Core (26 Credits)


Complete One of the Following


Note

* Students who are not prepared for this math course may need additional math credits/preparation. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for more information.

Capstone Research or Internship (3 Credits)


Complete one of the following:

Environmental Studies Electives (30 Credits)


Complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Natural Science Electives and the Environment-Society Electives:

Natural Science Electives (Min. 8 Credits)


Complete at least 8 credits from the following (prerequisites met with core requirements, unless otherwise noted):

General Environmental Studies Electives


Students may complete additional courses from the lists below to meet the 30-credit elective requirement for Environmental Studies.

DISCLAIMER: Some of these courses may require prerequisites that are not part of the Environmental Studies Core Curriculum.

Agriculture/Range Management Options

Biology Options

Additional 3000+-level Biology courses will be considered with department approval:

Philosophy Options

Psychology Options

Free Electives (6-24 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.A. Degree: 120


Program Learning Outcomes


  • Demonstrate knowledge of the physical and natural world.
  • Demonstrate integrative learning through teamwork, problem solving, inquiry, and analysis.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in environmental field and lab skills.
  • Demonstrate written and oral scientific communication skills.

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