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 their department adviser to assure proper course planning. Students can complete field experiences by working on projects in the University, metropolitan community, and region.
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
Choose one from the following:
Watershed Science (8 credits)
Required
Choose one from the following:
Business and Management (8 credits)
Choose two from the following
| ESM 483 | Marine Conservation and Management | 4 |
| ESM 485 | Ecology and Management of Bio-Invasions | 4 |
| Geog 446 | Water Resource Management | 4 |
| Geog 494 | GIS for Water Resources | 4 |
Policy Legal and Governmental Aspects (7-8 credits)
Required
| ESM 429 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 4 |
Choose one from the following:
| ESM 435 | Natural Resource Policy and Management | 4 |
| USP 571 | Environmental 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