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.
Sustainability Minor
This minor requires a multidisciplinary study of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability
Requirements
To obtain a minor in sustainability a student must complete at least 29 credits (at least 15 of which must be taken in residence at PSU), to including the following:
Courses
UnSt 224
| Environmental Sustainability | 4 |
| ESM 222 | Applied Environmental Studies: Policy Consideration | 4 |
| | Upper-division credits to include at least a total of four courses from the following three categories | 15-16 |
Students must choose at least one course from each category.
Economics/Business
| Ec 332 | Economics of Environmental Issues | 4 |
| Ec 444 | Economics of Green Power | 4 |
| Ec 433 | Advanced Natural Resource Economics | 4 |
| Ec 434 | Business Environmental Management Economics | 4 |
| Ec 443 | Global Environmental Economics | 4 |
| USP 490 | Green Economics and Sustainable Development | 3 |
| Ec 430 | Resource and Environmental Economics | 4 |
Social Issues
Environmental Systems
| ESM 355 | Understanding Environmental Sustainability I | 4 |
| ESM 356 | Understanding Environmental Sustainability II | 4 |
| ESM 420 | Ecological Toxicology | 4 |
| ESM 424 | Wetland Ecology | 4 |
| ESM 426 | Ecology of Streams and Rivers | 4 |
| ESM 428 | Urban Ecology | 4 |
| ESM 445 | Old-growth Forest Ecology | 4 |
| ESM 460 | Air Quality | 4 |
| Sci 335 | Water in the Environment I | 4 |
| Sci 336 | Water in the Environment II | 4 |
| Sci 352 | Science and Policy of Climate Change | 4 |
In addition, students must choose an appropriate capstone:
(A list of acceptable capstone courses will be prepared for each year).
Total Credit Hours: 29-30
Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling minor requirements. Courses with omnibus numbers 401, 404, 405, 406, and 407 are not allowed for the minor. Additional courses may be required as prerequisites. Only grades of C- or above count toward satisfying the minor requirement.
NOTE: Students earning the minor in sustainability may not also earn the sustainable urban development minor offered by the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning unless the courses presented for the minors differ by at least 12 credits. Only grades of C- or above count toward satisfying the minor requirements.