The curriculum is designed to sharpen critical thinking and problem solving skills by challenging students to translate theory and classroom learning into practice. The foundation courses offer students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of environmental issues as well as to gain the skills necessary to analyze environmental problems. The focus area courses provide students with the opportunity to explore the breadth of environmental studies while developing expertise or depth in an area of special interest. In the field courses, students gain hands on experience in the application of concepts in the field setting. Finally, the individual studies courses provide students with the opportunity to develop independent research and inquiry skills while pursuing a topic or research area of interest.
Courses can only fulfill the requirements in one area -i.e.
Each degree has a different focus and it is important that students contact the Environmental Studies office to establish regular communication with a designated departmental academic advisor. Students who seek the B.S. or B.A. degree must complete three foundation courses designed for the major. Focus Area Courses . The focus courses include those in both the natural and social sciences and the humanities. Students are given a great deal of flexibility and responsibility to choose a set of focus area courses.