The Environmental Studies curriculum is designed for students who wish to acquire a broad understanding of natural resources and human-environment relationships, together with the technical background needed to understand environmental issues. In many ways, the  curriculum provides a traditional “liberal arts education” with a strong natural resources emphasis. Moreover, it offers flexibility for the development of either specialization or breadth of content to match the student’s interests.

Unlike other majors in the College of Natural Resources, the Environmental Studies major is not a single field of study leading to a specific profession.  This degree prepares students to understand broad biological, physical, social, and political aspects of natural resource problems and environmental issues.  Students also get to work with their advisor to design a 15-credit emphasis for their degree. Some students choose to focus on topics not covered by traditional majors, such as environmental policy or interpretation. Others combine Environmental Studies with another University minor or major (soils, journalism, business, etc.) in order to meet their educational interests and objectives.

The Environmental Studies major consists of 92 credits. This total includes the College of Natural Resources core, lower-division foundation, professional courses, and a specialization option of 15 or more credits.

Specialization Option: Students work with their faculty advisor to develop a specialization option fitting their interests and career goals. The option consists of 15 or more credits, and may include any approved University minor or a suite of courses meeting the student’s particular needs.

The Environmental Studies minor totals 17-19 credits and includes NR 2220, 3000, and 4000, plus two of the following courses: EnvS 4000 (DSS); NR 3600 (QI); or any approved upper-division course in ecology, policy, economics, or assessment.

Environmental Studies Advisor- Robert Schmidt

Environmental Studies Major Requirement Sheet

Environmental Studies Specialization Options

(Environmental Studies Majors) Emphasis or Specialization Option Form