DES Degree Program

The DES program recognizes the need for students to have a basic understanding in both environmental science and policy. All DES students must satisfy a core course of science and policy courses. The Department's innovative problem-based curriculum fosters hands-on and minds-on. Learning is through cohort groups and student research in local environmental issues, providing answers to local stakeholders, training in the use of the newest analytical equipment, and understanding of policy and policymaking.  Students who chose this major are prepared for a variety of good-paying jobs.

A Problem-Based Curriculum That Models Practical Research

The curriculum is designed to train future environmental science and policy professionals. The curriculum is problem-based, meaning many of the activities are designed around open-ended problems where the process of solution-seeking often is more important than the solution itself. This curriculum is based on cohort groups of students entering the program at the same time. The curriculum is based on a 5-course sequence designed to mimic the main parts of a research paper:

• Introduction (ESP 203W - Environmental Communication)
• Methods & Results (ESP 280 - Research and Analytical Methods)
• Discussion (ESP 401W - Environmental Impact Assessment)
• Conclusion (ESP 475 - Senior Seminar)

DES Degree Options

Following the completion of the Program Core Requirements, students specialize in one of the following degree options:

» Environmental Planning/Policy (B.A.)
» Environmental Science (B.S.)
» Environmental Safety & Health (B.S)

To assist students in developing their Program of Study, the program has created an DES Major Checklist.

Minors & Certificates

Students can minor in the Department of Environmental Science by completing 18 credits of DES Curriculum with a grade of C- (2.0) or higher. Interested students should contact the DES office for additional information. To assist students in developing their program of study, the program has created an DES Minor Checklist.

We also offer a minor in Environmental Sustainability.  The minor is a guided course of study composed of 19 credits. Students in the Environmental Sustainability minor will examine the scientific, cultural, economic, and policy aspects of sustainability and will learn skills in how to recognize and overcome barriers to achieving sustainability.

Students may also choose to minor in Nature Tourism, offered jointly with the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department. 

Certificates

Designed for working professionals as well as full-time students, DES certificate programs are designed to develop environmental skills and enhance work effectiveness.

Soil and Wetland Certificate

Environmental Education Certificate

Environmental Policy Analysis Certificate