Requirements
Overview
Students who seek a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies must complete eleven courses in four areas: Foundation Courses, Intermediate Breadth Courses, Upper Level Electives, and Independent Study. One Field Course and one Upper Level Lab course are required as part of, but not in addition to, the coursework. An additional 5 courses (20 hours) in chemistry, math, physics and/or biology are also required.
Foundation Courses (four required): the foundation consists of three courses (ENVS 131, 132, and 260) designed for students seeking a major and one semester (two credit hours) in the environmental studies departmental seminar (ENVS 390). Intermediate Breadth Courses (three required): at least one 200-level course in each of three discipline areas: Ecology/Conservation, Earth Science, and Social Science and Policy. Upper Level Electives (three required): students will choose three courses to form a focus in a particular area. The focus area must be supported by faculty specialties within the department. Potential focus areas include Sustainability and Development, Conservation and Resource Management, Environment and Health, The Urban Environment, Ecology, and Environmental Policy. Students are given a great deal of flexibility and responsibility in choosing their elective courses. The Upper Level Elective area course set includes courses offered in the department and those cross-listed with other departments (ENVS prefix). No 100-level courses can be applied toward the major. An Independent Study course cannot be used to fulfill an Upper Level Elective requirement. A limited number of study abroad courses, Emory courses outside the department, or transfer courses may be counted for the major, subject to approval of the departmental undergraduate committee. Independent Study (one required): In their senior year, students must complete one course that integrates theory and practice from among the following: individual research, honors thesis, directed readings, internship, or a service learning course. Independent Study is designed to strengthen and enhance concepts learned during coursework in the Upper Level Elective focus area.