Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Minor in Environmental Studies (ENVST)

Minor Requirements

The interdisciplinary minor in Environmental Studies gives students a broad-based introduction to the natural environment and human interactions with it. Students gain awareness and understanding of environmental issues from the perspectives of several disciplines in relevant natural sciences (ecology, biology, geology, and/or environmental chemistry, for instance), the social sciences (environmental economics and/or public policy), and the arts and humanities (environmental history, ethics, and/or literature). Core courses in environmental studies, emphasizing applied and experiential learning, serve to integrate and synthesize knowledge from the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. The goal of the program is "ecological literacy." Students completing the minor gain sufficient awareness and understanding of environmental issues to put environmental problems in a variety of contexts and to apply pertinent skills and knowledge (from studies in both their major and the minor) in addressing those problems. The minor helps prepare students for employment in the private sector or with government agencies and environmental advocacy groups, or for postgraduate study in environmental science, public policy, the humanities, or law.

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor.

Scheduling Recommendation by Semester Standing given like (Sem: 1-2)

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR: 18 credits

PRESCRIBED COURSES: (3 credits)
ENVST 100(3) (Sem: 1-2)

ADDITIONAL COURSES: (6 credits)
Select 3 credits from ENVST 200(3) or ENVST 400W(3) (Sem: 3-8)
Select 3 credits from BIOL 110 GN(4), BIOL 220W GN(4), ENGL 180 GH(3), GEOSC 020 GN(3), CHEM 020(3), CHEM 021(1), GEOG 115 GN(3), STAT 250 GQ(3), ECON 429(3), HIST 453(3), GEOG 407(3), PHIL 403(3) (Sem: 1-6)

SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS: (9 credits)
Select 9 credits (3 in each area listed below) in consultation with an academic adviser. At least six credits must be at the 400-level.
a. Natural Sciences: BIOL 240W(4), BIOL 417(3), BIOL 427(3), BIOL 435(3), BIOL 446(3) BIOL 450W(3-5), ENVST 497(3), FOR 308(3), FOR 430/WFS 430(3), GEOSC 303(3), GEOSC 340(3), GEOSC 462(3), MICRB 400(3), WFS 408(3) (Sem: 3-8).
b. Social Sciences: ANTH 040(3), ANTH 146 GS;US(3), ANTH 152(3), ANTH 456(3), ANTH/BIO 464(3), ENVST 497(3), GEOG 401(3), GEOG 430(3), PL SC 444(3), PL SC 490(3), S T S 047(3) (Sem: 3-8)
c. Arts and Humanities: ENGL 404(3), ENGL 412(3), ENGL 415(3), ENGL 416(3), ENGL 421(3), ENGL 430(3), ENVST 497(3), HIST/S T S 151(3), HIST 428/S T S(3); When topic appropriate and with program approval: ENGL 400(3), ENGL 401(3), ENGL 483(3), HIST 200 US(3), HIST 497(3) (Sem: 3-8)
Other courses may be substituted with program approval.

Last Revised by the Department: Fall Semester 2001

Review Date: 4/9/02

UCA Revision #1: 8/4/06
UCA Revision #2: 7/27/07

Contact:

Dr. Carolyn G. Mahan
Associate Professor of Biology
Office: 209 Hawthorn Building
Phone: 814-949-5530
E-mail:
WWW: http://www.personal.psu.edu/cgm2