Undergraduate programs

The Department of Environmental Science and Management offers two undergraduate degrees. The Environmental Science degree is focused on natural science, whereas the Environmental Studies degree is focused more on policy and management. The B.A./B.S. degrees in both Environmental Science and Environmental Studies rest on an interdisciplinary curriculum that develops understanding and expertise in environmental science by building on a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and economics complemented by related courses in environmental policy and management. Students should consult with a department adviser to assure proper course planning. Students can complete field experiences by working on projects in the University, metropolitan community, and region.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Environmental Science B.A./B.S.

Environmental Studies B.A./B.S.

Environmental Science/Environmental Studies Honors Track

Climate Adaptation and Management Certificate

Forest Ecology and Management Certificate

Lake and Reservoir Management Certificate

Environmental Science Minor

Sustainability Minor

Sustainability Minor

This minor requires a multidisciplinary study of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability

Requirements

To obtain a minor in sustainability a student must complete at least 30 credits (at least 15 of which must be taken in residence at PSU), to including the following:

Courses

ESM 150Orientation to Environmental Sciences and Management

1

UnSt 224Environmental Sustainability

4

ESM 222Applied Environmental Studies: Policy Consideration

4

Upper-division credits to include at least a total of four courses from the following three categories

15-16

Students must choose at least one course from each category.

Economics and Business Issues

Ec 332UEconomics of Environmental Issues

4

Ec 444Economics of Green Power

4

Ec 433/ESM 433Advanced Natural Resource Economics

4

Ec 434/ESM 434Business Environmental Management Economics

4

Ec 443Global Environmental Economics

4

USP 490Green Economics and Sustainable Development

3

Ec 430Resource and Environmental Economics

4

ESM 357Business Solutions for Environmental Problems

4

Social and Management Issues

Arch 367UFundamentals of Environmental Design

4

Geog 340UGlobal Water Issues and Sustainability

4

Geog 345UResource Management

4

Geog 346UWorld Population and Food Supply

4

Geog 347UEnvironmental Issues and Action

4

Geog 442Sustainable Cities

4

Geog 465Tuscany: Sustainability in City and Country

4

Hst 339UThe Environment and History

4

Phl 310UEnvironmental Ethics

4

PS 319Politics of the Environment

4

Sci 321UEnergy and Society I

4

Sci 322UEnergy and Society II

4

Soc 341UPopulation Trends and Policy

4

Soc 465Environmental Sociology

4

SySc 334UModeling Social-Ecological Systems

4

USP 313UUrban Environmental Issues

4

USP 325UCommunity and the Built Environment

4

USP 419/Soc 441Population and Society

4

Environmental and Ecological Issues

ESM 355UUnderstanding Environmental Sustainability I

4

ESM 356UUnderstanding Environmental Sustainability II

4

ESM 420Ecological Toxicology

4

ESM 424Wetland Ecology

4

ESM 426Ecology of Streams and Rivers

4

ESM 428Urban Ecology

4

ESM 445Old-growth Forest Ecology

4

ESM 460/CE 488Air Quality

4

Sci 335UWater in the Environment I

4

Sci 336UWater in the Environment II

4

Sci 352UScience and Policy of Climate Change

4

In addition, students must choose an appropriate capstone or internship:
UnSt 421Capstone

6

ESM 450Case Studies in Environmental Problem Solving

0-6

ESM 404Cooperative Ed/Internship ESM Sustainability Minor

6

(A list of acceptable capstone and internship courses will be prepared for each year).

Total Credit Hours: 30-31

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling minor requirements. Courses with omnibus numbers 401, 404, 405, 406, and 407 are not allowed for the minor. Additional courses may be required as prerequisites. Only grades of C- or above count toward satisfying the minor requirement. 

NOTE: Students earning the minor in sustainability may not also earn the sustainable urban development minor offered by the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning unless the courses presented for the minors differ by at least 12 credits. Only grades of C- or above count toward satisfying the minor requirements.