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

Lake and Reservoir Management Certificate

PSU has a range of expertise in managing watersheds, lakes and reservoirs for ecological and water resources. PSU also has the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs that was established by the Oregon State legislature to address lake management and invasive species issues. Many of our faculty are active in the North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) and the local chapters of the Oregon Lakes Association Washington State Lake Protection Association.

This is a rigorous certificate that will require eight 400-level courses. The courses are split between aquatic ecology, watershed processes, management, and policy areas. Although the certificate could be earned by any student, they will have to have had many pre-requisites (or equivalent preparation) in ESM or Geography. Students who complete the certificate will be prepared to take active roles in and contribute to management of lakes and reservoirs. In addition, this certificate is designed to provide the academic background required by the NALMS Professional Lake Manager certification program.

Certificate requirements

The certificate requires 33 to 34 credits total and 22 of these credits must be in ESM. The student must complete courses in each of of the following five areas.

Aquatic Ecology (10 credits)

Required

ESM 475Limnology and Aquatic Ecology

4

ESM 477Limnology Laboratory

2

Choose one from the following:

ESM 424Wetland Ecology

4

ESM 426Ecology of Streams and Rivers

4

ESM 474Fish Ecology and Conservation

4

Watershed Science (8 credits)

Required

ESM 425Watershed Hydrology

4

Choose one from the following:

ESM 427Watershed Biogeochemistry

4

ESM 479/CE 479Fate and Transport of Toxics in the Environment

4

Geog 414Hydrology

4

Business and Management (8 credits)

Choose two from the following

ESM 483Marine Conservation and Management

4

ESM 485Ecology and Management of Bio-Invasions

4

Geog 446Water Resource Management

4

Geog 494GIS for Water Resources

4

Policy Legal and Governmental Aspects (7-8 credits)

Required

ESM 429Environmental Impact Assessment

4

Choose one from the following:

ESM 435Natural Resource Policy and Management

4

USP 571Environmental Policy

3

Students must take required courses for a differentiated grade and earn a C-or better for it to count toward the certificate.

Total Credit Hours: 33-34