Environmental Science Major
Environmental Science B.S. Degree
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary major with foundational courses in chemistry and either biology, organic chemistry, or physics. Advanced courses in applied ecology, water resources, climate, and renewable energy provide depth to this program. We encourage students in environmental science to study abroad, especially in research-oriented field programs, such as the School for Field Studies or the Organization for Tropical Studies.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
Students entering SCU as freshmen in September 2013 or later, automatically fall under the 2013+ version of the degree requirements. This version requires that at least one of the upper division environmental science courses has a lab component.
Students who entered SCU before September 2013 follow the 2011-2012 version of the degree requirements. Current transfer students also fall under this version.
The Applied Ecology concentration focuses on the interaction of natural and anthropogenic forces in shaping the ecosystems on which we all depend. Courses demand a strong foundation in the biological sciences, and many include a lab component. This track is especially suited for the student who enjoys spending class time outside and doing hands-on work. Among the possible career paths for students following the Applied Ecology track are: Wildlife biologist, agroecologist, environmental consultant, conservation biologist, park interpretive specialist, natural resources steward, land trust manager, outdoor educator, and restoration ecologist.
The Water, Energy & Technology concentration allows students to explore in depth two fundamental areas in environmental science: water and energy. Students investigate the interactions between human society, ecosystems, and the hydrosphere, learning concepts of water availability, flow, and management. Students also examine energy production from fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. Students gain an understanding of the vast array of societal and environmental impacts of our water and energy demands, while exploring opportunities for the future. This track is especially suited for students who are curious about natural processes, technologies, and figuring out how things work. Graduates of this track will have a strong foundation to pursue careers in watershed management and in water districts; at science and research centers; at environmental and energy consulting firms; and in city, county, and state government offices.
Sample Schedule for the Environmental Science Major (w/Applied Ecology concentration*)
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year Option 1 | CHEM 11 MATH 11 or ENVS 21 or ENVS 23 CTW 1 or Core or ENVS 22 CI 1 or Core |
CHEM 12 MATH 11 or ENVS 21 or ENVS 23 CTW 1, CTW2, or Core or ENVS 22 CI 1, CI 2, or Core |
CHEM 13<br/ MATH 11 or ENVS 21 or ENVS 23 CTW 2 or Core or ENVS 22 CI 2 or Core |
| 1st year Option 2 | CHEM 11 MATH 9 CTW 1 or ENVS 22 or Core CI or Core |
CHEM 12 MATH 11 CTW 1, CTW2, or Core or ENVS 22 CI 1, CI 2, or Core |
CHEM 13 ENVS 23 or ENVS 21 CTW 2 or ENVS 22 or Core CI 2 or Core |
| 2nd year | BIOL 21 ENVS 50 (C&I 3) ENVS 79 LANG 1 |
BIOL 22 ECON 1 (SOC SCI) RTC 2 LANG 2** |
BIOL 23 ENVS 116 ENVS 122 ARTS |
| 3rd year | ENVS 110 RTC 3 STS Elective |
ELSJ UD Social Science DIVERSITY Elective |
UD Track ETHICS Elective Elective |
| 4th year | ENVS 198 UD Track ADV WRITING Elective |
ENVS 101 UD Track Elective Elective |
UD Track ELSJ Elective Elective |
*For Water, Energy, Technology concentration, students may sub CHEM 31 & 32 or PHYS 11, 12, 13 for BIOL 21, 22, 23.
**Environmental Science is a bachelor of science in the natural sciences and therefore requires the second level of language.
*Option 1: Students may enroll in ECON 1 and ENVS 22 in the following year.
*Option 2: Students may enroll in ECON 1 and ENVS 21 in the following year.
*Students are encouraged to enroll in RTC in the first year.
*ENVS 21, 22, and 23 may be taken in any order.
ES MAJORS MUST ALSO COMPLETE FOUR COURSES IN A DECLARED PATHWAY